Atlanta TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
Hiking Trails in Georgia

High Falls Historic & Tranquil Trails

Hike to stunning waterfall views and historic ruins on this double-trail loop on the Historic & Tranquil Trails at High Falls State Park near Macon.

georgia hiking trails: 2-4 miles 2.25 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:High Falls State Park near Macon, Georgia

PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list

The main attraction at High Falls State Park is undoubtedly the tumbling and thundering cascades of the Towaliga River. Easily seen from both of the river’s banks, the waterfalls are enormous, broad, and dramatic. The river courses over a massive, exposed rock outcrop, sliding over its smooth outcroppings and tumbling over its angular crags.

This adventure on the river’s southwest bank catches stunning waterfall views and visits historic ruins on the Historic Trail, and then loops through a fern-filled, rolling forest on the Tranquil Trail. It’s a great, relatively easy hike filled with historical interest and a whole lot of natural beauty.

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

Hike to stunning waterfall views and historic ruins on the Historic & Tranquil Trails at High Falls State Park near Macon, GA #hiking #trailrunning #camping #maconga #atlanta #georgia #travel #outdoors #adventure

High Falls Historic & Tranquil Trails: the hike

The adventure begins at a trailhead near the river’s southwestern shore (view maps and driving directions), crossing the remains of an old concrete spillway. On the spillway, the channels of the former hydroelectric dam are visible, slowly being reclaimed and covered by the forest.

High Falls State Park Falls Trail

The hike passes the brick remains of several historic buildings, with the thundering cascades of High Falls audible in the near distance. The route descends to the banks of the Towaliga River before climbing to a viewing platform, where abundant, wide-open views of the enormous waterfall extend far below the overlook. The waterfall’s scale is immense; a close look reveals the comparatively tiny orange railing of the Falls Trail on the river’s opposite bank.

The hike departs the overlook, leveling as it trails the banks of a canal. The hike reaches High Falls Road at .25 miles, and turns to double back to the trailhead, following the canal, passing groves of bamboo and crossing the concrete spillway a second time.

High Falls State Park Falls Trail

The hike crosses Towaliga River Drive, traveling southbound on a spur trail toward the Tranquil Trail. The sounds of the tumbling waterfalls fade as the hike dives into a sun-dappled forest filled with ferns and wildflowers. The hike begins the loop portion of the trail at .6 mile, turning right to follow the loop trail counterclockwise. The trail rolls elevation through the forest, passing wood benches, crossing wood bridges and exploring mossy, pebble-lined creeks coursing through deep ravines. Ferns cover vast stretches of the forest floor, basking in the filtered sunlight from the tree canopy above.



These remote stretches of the are home to wildlife, including birds and deer. Pause to look, listen and relax, and you’ll likely see the forest’s inhabitants as they traverse through these rolling, creek-filled woodlands.

The hike nears a park road at 1.6 miles, where a trail veers right, leading to the High Falls campground. This hike continues northbound, meandering through the forest and crossing several bridges over trickling streams. Just before completing the loop, a stream tumbles over a small waterfall on trail right.

The hike completes the Tranquil Trail Loop at just over two miles, veering right to hike the spur trail toward the river’s banks. The trail makes a steady, but gentle, climb to the trailhead, completing the adventure at 2.25 miles.

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 State Park Historic & Tranquil 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 Friends of Georgia State Parks. 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

33.176717, -84.016267     //     N33 10.603 W84 00.976

Elevation Profile

High Falls State Park Historic & Tranquil Trail 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.