- Administrator
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Connecting People, Nature, and Communities
It’s been a season of growth and momentum across Northeast Georgia — from new partnerships and major grant funding to exciting progress on the Rail Trail and Lake Tallulah Falls kayak launch. Read on to see what’s next!
From the President
As fall colors sweep across the gorge, Friends of Northeast Georgia continues to grow—connecting our communities through trails, river access, and partnerships that celebrate the beauty of our region.
Thanks to the dedication of our board, partners, and supporters, we’ve made great progress this year toward creating safe, accessible outdoor spaces that inspire health, recreation, and community.
Warm regards,
Bill Turk
President, Friends of Northeast Georgia
Pictured left to right - Trail Design Consultants Root Design Studio consultant and Andrea Gecco, Friends Board Member Mike Franklin, GA DNR David Reed, Friends Board Member / Rail Trail Project Lead Susan Nichols, Tallulah Gorge State Park Representatives including Kristy Kerst, Park Manager Lieren Merz and Wes Melinky
Photo by Bill Turk Tallulah Falls DDA and Friends Board.
Organizational Highlights
Partnerships & Support
Collaborations with Georgia Power & Georgia Power Foundation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Town of Tallulah Falls and Tallulah Falls DDA, PATH Foundation, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, the City of Clarkesville, Lew Oliver, Inc., Tallulah Adventures and The Edge Café, and several individual citizens.
Milestones
• Established nonprofit 501(c)(3) status
• Formalized active board of directors
• Launched website and online donation portal
• Engaged professional grant writer; secured $1.3 million in state funding with Senator Bo Hatchett’s assistance
• Completed nonprofit training; became eligible for a $25,000 communications grant
Ongoing Projects
• Continued collaboration with GA Power, GA DNR, GDOT, and the Town of Tallulah Falls
• Continuing partnership with the PATH Foundation for trail alignment across the region
Project Spotlights
Rails to Trails Progress
Our phased rail trail plan continues in coordination with key state and local partners. Current efforts focus on refining easements, coordinating pedestrian safety improvements, and exploring environmentally sensitive routes that connect Tallulah Falls’ scenic and historic areas.
Each step is guided by respect for landowners, conservation priorities, and community input.
➡ Learn more at friendsofnega.org
Pictured left to right - Georgia Power Land Dept. Stephen Wilson, Tallulah Falls DDA Chair MaryBeth Hughes, Friends of NEGA board member and Chair/Project Lead of Rails Trail initiative Susan Nichols, Georgia DOT Jean Destin and Right of Way & Traffic Operations Supervisor Christopher Hash, Tallulah Falls State Park employee Ian Moore and Danny Tatum. Pictured by Friends of Northeast GA President and board member Bill Turk.
Universal Kayak Launch
A second key initiative — our accessible kayak launch on Lake Tallulah Falls — continues to move forward. The design supports universal access, allowing paddlers of all abilities to enjoy the lake.
Construction is planned to begin in 2026, in collaboration with Georgia Power and Georgia DNR.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to new partnerships and continued trail development as our vision takes shape. Together, we’re building connections that will last for generations.
Get Involved
Your support helps build trails, access, and community. Volunteer opportunities are coming soon!
Contact Us
Bill Turk — President — 706-206-4987
Susan Nichols — Vice President & Rail Trail Project Lead — 706-968-0051
About Friends of Northeast Georgia
Friends of Northeast Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting communities through safe, recreational activities — including trail and water access projects that celebrate the natural beauty of our region.