Atlanta TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
Hiking Trails in Georgia

High Falls State Park

Follow the Falls Trail at High Falls State Park, hiking a double loop to beautiful views of a series of enormous, thundering waterfalls near Macon.

georgia hiking trails: 0-2 miles 1.2 miles
(round trip)
? Your mileage may vary! Accuracy of your GPS device, weather conditions, and stops along your route will affect your own recorded distance.
georgia hiking trails: easyeasy to
moderate
?Our difficulty estimate, based on distance, terrain, elevation change, & ease of wayfinding. May vary daily due to weather, trail reroutes, downed trees, etc.
georgia hiking trails: dog-friendly Dog-
friendly
?Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Check out more of our favorite dog-friendly trails in Georgia for a great hike with your pup.

LOCATION:near Macon, Georgia

PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list

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.

High Falls State Park: hike to stunning waterfall views near Macon, GA

This ultra-scenic adventure explores the river’s eastern banks, descending into a rocky, boulder-filled forest. The hike follows a double loop, exploring the shore of the waterfall-filled river before looping through a shady forest. It’s a beautiful, moderately challenging route, and the spectacular views make this one of our all-time favorite hikes near Macon.

Hike the Falls Trail at High Falls State Park near Macon, hiking a double loop to beautiful views of enormous, thundering waterfalls. #hiking #trailrunning #camping #atlanta #georgia #travel #outdoors #adventure

Falls Trail at High Falls State Park: the hike

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.

High Falls State Park: hike the Falls Trail to beautiful waterfall views near Macon, GA

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.

High Falls State Park in Georgia: follow the Falls Trail to spectacular waterfall views

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.



There are two stunning waterfalls with the same name in North Carolina, and both are well worth a visit if you’re in the Asheville area. Hike to High Falls at DuPont State Forest, one of many waterfalls in this stunning park near Brevard, NC. And don’t miss the tumbling, towering High Falls at Lake Glenville near Cashiers, another exceptional NC waterfall hike.

Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.


 
Leave No Trace: Atlanta Trails, Asheville Trails and Trailful are official Leave No Trace partners

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.

High Falls Trail Map, Directions & Details

This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route.

Love the trail?

This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use!

Driving Directions



Parking

$5


GPS Coordinates

33.179233, -84.017450     //     N33 10.754 W84 01.047

Elevation Profile

High Falls State Park: Elevation Profile
 

Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. His mission? To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty.