Wondering whether High Falls State Park is worth the drive? Yes — this 1,050-acre Georgia state park about an hour south of Atlanta features the largest waterfall in middle Georgia, a 650-acre lake, 4.5 miles of hiking trails, 106 campsites, six lakeside yurts, and historic 1800s industrial ruins. Located just two miles east of I-75 Exit 198 in Jackson, Georgia, High Falls State Park makes an ideal day trip or weekend getaway for hikers, anglers, paddlers, and campers exploring central Georgia.
At Bear Creek Marina in Mansfield, Georgia, we get asked about nearby attractions all the time. High Falls is one of the most requested. This complete guide covers everything you need to know — from waterfall views and trails to fishing, camping, lodging, fees, and how to pair a High Falls visit with a stay on Jackson Lake.
Where Is the park Located in Georgia?
High Falls is located at 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, Georgia 30233, just two miles east of Interstate 75 at Exit 198. The park sits about 51 miles south of downtown Atlanta and 36 miles north of Macon, making it roughly an hour’s drive from Atlanta and about 20 minutes from Macon.
Geographically, the park straddles Monroe and Butts counties at the Fall Line — the geological boundary where Georgia’s hilly Piedmont region meets the flatter Coastal Plain. That elevation drop is exactly why High Falls exists: the Towaliga River tumbles over a series of granite ledges as the land plunges toward the coast. For visitors staying at Bear Creek Marina’s RV campground on Jackson Lake in Mansfield, the park is roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive south through Jasper and Butts counties.
How Tall Is the Waterfall at High Falls State Park?
The waterfall at High Falls cascades 135 feet over a series of granite ledges on the Towaliga River. It is the largest waterfall in middle Georgia and one of the most powerful waterfalls south of Atlanta. The falls flow strongest after heavy spring rains and during winter, when reduced foliage opens up the views.
You do not have to hike far to see them. Two designated waterfall overlooks sit just steps from the main day-use parking area, and several footbridges cross the river for additional angles. Photographers come at sunrise for soft light and minimal crowds. After hurricanes or major storms, the river often peaks dramatically — a reminder that the ledges are slippery and that climbing on the rocks is prohibited.
What Hiking Trails Are at the park?
High Falls offers approximately 4.5 miles of hiking on three main trails, plus a short ADA-accessible historic loop. Each trail starts near the main parking areas and is well marked. Here is what to expect.
- High Falls Trail (1.2 miles, moderate): Runs along the side of the 135-foot waterfall with multiple overlooks. Roughly 150 feet of elevation gain. Best trail if you only have time for one.
- Historic and Tranquil Trails Loop (3.9 miles, moderate): The longest option. A double-looped path that winds through hilly forest, past a bubbling stream, and along the riverbank downstream of the falls.
- Non-Game Trail and shorter spurs: Connect the campgrounds to the waterfall and pool area, useful for tent and RV campers who want to walk rather than drive.
- ADA-Accessible Historic Trail: A shorter paved loop with views of the dam, berm walls, powerhouse penstocks, grist mill ruins, and Old Alabama Bridge — a great choice for visitors with mobility needs.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. The granite boulders near the falls look inviting but are slick from constant mist. For trail maps, download the official map from the Georgia State Parks site before you arrive (cell service is spotty inside the park).
What Fish Live in High Falls Lake?
High Falls Lake is a 650-acre impoundment of the Towaliga River and is considered one of Georgia’s top spots for hybrid bass and white bass. Anglers also catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bream, and chain pickerel (often called jackfish locally).
Bank fishing is available at four primary locations: behind the park office, along the day-use area shoreline, at the Buck Creek fishing area, and along the river bank at the Powerhouse area below the dam. The shoreline behind the office and day-use area is the most accessible for families with young anglers. Boaters can launch from the park’s public boat ramp and reach productive bass cover along the timber-lined coves.
A Georgia fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Boaters must follow Georgia DNR regulations on personal flotation devices (PFDs are required for everyone on board) and a Georgia ParkPass is required for parked vehicles. If you also want to fish nearby Jackson Lake on the same trip, the two lakes complement each other well — Jackson Lake is larger (4,750 acres) and known for largemouth, spotted, and striped bass, while High Falls Lake is the regional standout for hybrid and white bass.
Can You Rent Kayaks or Canoes at High Falls State Park?
Yes. The park offers kayak, canoe, and aqua-cycle rentals seasonally through the park’s Trading Post. Rentals are typically available from 8:30 am with all equipment due back by 4:30 pm the same day. Pricing recently was $30 for a four-hour kayak or canoe rental and $30 for one hour of an aqua cycle (pricing changes seasonally — call the park office at 478-993-3053 to confirm current rates and availability).
The 650-acre lake above the dam is calm and beginner-friendly, with no jet skis or large powerboats. Below the dam, the Towaliga River runs faster and includes Class II whitewater in places — not appropriate for the rental kayaks. Paddlers comfortable on flat water can also rent kayaks at Bear Creek Marina on Jackson Lake if High Falls rentals are sold out.
What Camping and Lodging Options Are at High Falls?
High Falls has 106 campsites and six yurts, split between two main camping areas. There is also one paddle-in primitive group site that sleeps up to 25 people.
- Lake Campground: 23 sites with water and electric hookups along the lakeshore. Three of these sites have full sewer hookups but are reserved as camp host sites.
- River Camping Area: 89 RV and tent sites with water and electric, mostly shaded, accommodating rigs up to 50 feet long. Located across High Falls Road from the day-use area and includes ADA-accessible sites.
- Yurts: Six lakeside yurts, each a 20-foot-diameter, 12-foot-tall circular tent with lattice walls, insulation, a clear dome skylight, pine floor, electricity, heat, air conditioning, ceiling fan, lockable doors, and an outside water spigot. Front and rear decks with picnic table and grill. Furnished to sleep six (two futons plus a full-size mattress).
- Paddle-In Site: One group primitive site accessible only by water, sleeps up to 25.
Reservations can be made online through ReserveAmerica or by phone up to 13 months in advance. Weekends from April through October book up fast — especially holiday weekends and the spring waterfall-viewing season. If High Falls is sold out, Bear Creek Marina’s waterfront campground on Jackson Lake offers 30-amp and 50-amp RV hookups about 30 minutes north and frequently has availability when state parks are full.
What’s the History of the park?
In the early 1800s, High Falls was a prosperous industrial town built around the waterfall’s hydropower. The community included stores, a grist mill, a cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, a shoe factory, and a hotel — all powered by the river. A small dam and powerhouse generated hydroelectricity for nearby Macon at the turn of the 20th century.
The town’s decline began in the 1880s when a major railroad bypassed the community, drawing commerce elsewhere. By the early 1900s the powerhouse, too, fell out of use. Today, hikers can see the stone foundations of the grist mill, the original dam, the powerhouse penstocks, and Old Alabama Bridge along the historic trails. Interpretive signs explain how the Fall Line’s geology made — and unmade — this little Georgia ghost town.
What Else Can You Do at High Falls State Park?
- Swim at the seasonal pool: Open during summer months for a small fee in addition to the ParkPass.
- Picnic areas and shelters: Multiple picnic spots overlook the river and falls; shelters can be reserved for groups.
- Geocaching: Several active geocaches are hidden along the trails.
- Wildlife and birdwatching: Look for great blue herons, kingfishers, wood ducks, and white-tailed deer; spring brings migrating warblers along the riverside trails.
- Junior Ranger programs: Seasonal programs let kids earn a badge by completing simple nature activities.
What Does It Cost to Visit the park?
Parking at High Falls State Park requires a Georgia ParkPass, currently $5 per vehicle for day use. Annual ParkPass options ($50 for a single park, or all-park versions) are available if you plan to visit several state parks. Camping fees range roughly from $30 to $45 per night for tent and RV sites depending on hookups and location; yurts start higher (call for current rates). The seasonal pool charges a separate small admission. There are no entrance fees for hiking, fishing, or wildlife viewing beyond the ParkPass.
How Should You Plan a Visit Combining High Falls and Bear Creek Marina?
Many central Georgia visitors pair the park with a stay at Bear Creek Marina on Jackson Lake, about a 30- to 40-minute drive north in Mansfield. The combination works well because the two destinations cover different experiences — High Falls is about waterfalls and woodland trails, while Bear Creek offers lakeside dining, kayak rentals, a boat launch, live music, and RV camping on one of Georgia’s oldest reservoirs.
Here is a sample two-day itinerary:
- Day 1 — Bear Creek Marina: Check in to your RV or camper site at Bear Creek. Spend the afternoon paddling a rental kayak on Jackson Lake or launching your own boat from the public boat ramp. Have dinner at the lakeside Bear Creek Restaurant and catch live music on the deck.
- Day 2 — High Falls State Park: Drive 30–40 minutes south to High Falls. Pay your $5 ParkPass, hike the High Falls Trail to the 135-foot waterfall, then walk the ADA-accessible historic loop past the grist mill ruins. Picnic by the river before driving back to Bear Creek for the evening.
This pairing also works in reverse — camp at High Falls and day-trip to Bear Creek for dinner and lake time. Either way, you get waterfall scenery and a 4,750-acre lake in one trip without doubling your drive from Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions About the park
Is High Falls open year-round?
Yes. The park is open every day of the year from 7 am to 10 pm. The park office and Trading Post keep shorter hours, generally 8 am to 5 pm. The seasonal swimming pool is open only during summer months, and boat rentals run on a seasonal schedule. Call 478-993-3053 to confirm hours for the week of your visit.
Are dogs allowed at the park?
Yes — dogs are welcome on all trails and in the campgrounds. Georgia state park rules require dogs to be on a leash of six feet or shorter at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the swimming pool, inside cabins or yurts, or in park buildings. Bring waste bags and clean up after your pet.
When is the best time to see the waterfall at High Falls?
The waterfall is most dramatic after heavy spring rains, generally from late February through May. Winter is also excellent — fewer leaves on surrounding trees open up clear views. Late summer can see lower river flow during dry years, though the falls still flow year-round. Sunrise and the hour before sunset give photographers the best soft light.
How far is High Falls from Bear Creek Marina?
High Falls State Park is approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive south of Bear Creek Marina at Jackson Lake. The route runs through Jasper and Butts counties on Highway 36 and local roads connecting Mansfield, Jackson, and the I-75 corridor. Bear Creek Marina’s address is 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055; High Falls is at 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, GA 30233.
Can you swim at High Falls State Park?
Swimming is allowed only in the seasonal swimming pool, which is open during summer months for a small admission fee. Swimming is prohibited in the lake, the river above the falls, and especially anywhere near the falls or downstream — the currents and slick granite ledges make those areas dangerous. For lake swimming options in the region, see our guide on swimming in Jackson Lake, Georgia.
Plan Your High Falls and Jackson Lake Trip With Bear Creek Marina
High Falls State Park is one of central Georgia’s best day-trip destinations — and pairing it with a stay at Bear Creek Marina on Jackson Lake turns a single park visit into a full weekend on the water. Whether you want a waterfront RV site, a lakeside dinner, a kayak rental, or a public boat ramp on one of Georgia’s oldest reservoirs, we have what you need 30 minutes from the park.
Bear Creek Marina & Restaurant
60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055
Phone: (770) 787-9621
Email: contact@bearcreekmarina.com
Web: bearcreekmarina.com
External resources: Official the park page (Georgia DNR) · High Falls reservations (Georgia State Parks)
