High Falls State Park sits along the Towaliga River in Monroe County, Georgia, where water rushes over a series of cascading rock ledges to create one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state. The falls were once the centerpiece of a thriving 1880s industrial town, and remnants of that era — old gristmill ruins and dam structures — still line the riverbanks, giving the park a layered sense of history that most Georgia state parks lack.

Spanning 1,050 acres just south of Jackson, High Falls draws steady crowds for good reason. The main hiking trail follows the river downstream from the falls, winding through hardwood forest with several overlook points where you can watch the water churn through narrow granite channels. Kayakers and canoeists put in below the falls for flatwater paddling on High Falls Lake, and the fishing is solid — bass, catfish, and crappie are all reliable catches here.

The park’s campground offers both tent and RV sites with hookups, and several yurts are available for those who want something between camping and a cabin. Sites near the lake tend to book fast on summer weekends, so reserving ahead is worth the effort.

Spring is the best time to visit — the falls run hardest after winter rains, and the dogwoods blooming along the river trail make for an especially good walk. Fall color peaks in late October and brings smaller crowds. With a 4.6-star rating across nearly 5,000 reviews, High Falls consistently delivers.

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