Ch. 53 - 2022 Happy New Year

There will not be an actual meetup and caravan to the falls due to it's location.  Please plan to arrive at High Falls Park at 8:45 to pay for parking and purchase any items from the visitors center.  We will begin at 9:00 a.m. and hit the Falls View trail at 9:15.    

Come and kick off the new year by getting your heart pumping on this Easy to Moderate 1.5 mile hike on our Falls View Trail. Please dress for the weather and wear hiking boots.

Trail Difficulty

Easy to  Moderate/Intermediate: Suitable for those in fair physical condition; active walker; 1-3hr duration; slightly uneven terrain; <1000ft elevation gain &  Suitable for those in good physical condition; active/endurance walker; 3+hr duration; 1000-1500ft elevation gain

High Falls State Park is a popular warm-weather outdoor destination, well-loved for its glassy lake, broad spillway dam and an enormous, multi-tiered waterfall. Nestled in a shady forest just north of Macon, the Towaliga River tumbles through the park, churning in whitewater and free-falling cascades over massive rocks and boulders. And while these incredible falls are partially visible from the park’s bridge, the views are much more impressive from the Falls Trail, our favorite hike in the park.

The adventure begins at a signed trailhead on the river’s northeastern shore, just downstream from the dam (view maps and driving directions). The trail descends a series of wooden platforms along the river, catching increasingly better views of the huge, whitewater-filled waterfall.

The hike continues descending elevation along the river. The roar of the enormous waterfall and rushing water echoes loudly along the trail, as large rock outcrops and boulders dot the forest floor, as pine and deciduous trees shade the trail overhead. The views of the falls are incredible and striking, with tumbling chutes and spilling tendrils of gushing whitewater channeling through the rocky valley.

The hike soon reaches a sandy shore framed by large boulders. Multiple waterfalls spill over the river’s rocky, angled bed, cascading in streams of tumbling whitewater into heavily-churned pools below.

The hike crosses a small wooden bridge before beginning the hike’s southern loop section, continuing to follow the trail’s red blazes. The hike veers from the river, crossing a small stream and venturing through the forest, and then rejoining the notably-calmer river downstream. The hike arcs northbound at .5 mile, gaining elevation through the forest. Though it’s now out of sight, the waterfall’s roar remains audible as the hike climbs a ridge to complete the trail’s lower loop.

Reaching the upper loop, the hike veers right to climb through a rocky forest, crossing between several massive, angular boulders. The trail climbs elevation steadily toward the trailhead, passing a wooden bench at one mile. The hike reaches the trailhead at just under 1.2 miles, completing this ultra-scenic adventure.

Directions Link & GPS Coordinates

https://www.google.com/maps/place/76+High+Falls+Park+Dr,+Jackson,+GA+30233/@33.1718671,-84.0114825,13.75z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88f46e9ef4290f37:0x3b9383fcb32fd4fb!8m2!3d33.1788931!4d-84.0196947?hl=en

GPS Coordinates N 33.178333 | W -084.020533

Fee - There is a $5 parking fee  with ample space for parking.

Amenities: Visitors Center & Restrooms

What to Bring *

Water, water, water

Please start to hydrate on Friday by drinking extra fluids. Your body will appreciate this during the hike.

Please wear hiking boots if at all possible

Bring hiking poles

Bring water and or Gatorade to drink during the hike. We cannot express how important it is to stay hydrated

Bring $5 for the parking fee

If you do not wear a RoadiD please have your emergency contact information sealed in a zip lock bag and placed where it can easily be located if an emergency should occur.

Pack your lunch and something to sit on.

Lunch Details

Bring a sack lunch. We will have lunch at the park after the hike.

Important/Emergency Information (Ranger District/Phone Number, Nearest Hospital, Animal Activity)

478-993-3053