High Falls State Park

The steady rhythm of water cascading over jagged rocks fills the air as you arrive at High Falls State Park, where the scent of damp earth mingles with pine and oak. The park’s two campgrounds—The River and The Lake—rest on opposite sides of High Falls Park Drive, divided by the rushing Towaliga River. Approaching from I-75, you’ll pass The River campground on your right before turning left to reach the gated entrance where a code awaits after check-in. The quiet murmur of the falls and the gentle rustling of leaves set the tone, inviting you into a space where water and woods intertwine in a dance as old as time.

Morning light filters through the trees as hikers set out onto the red-loop Fall’s View Trail, which challenges with climbs over boulders and roots but rewards with sweeping views of the river’s shoals and the historic old gristmill ruins. On the west side, the ADA-accessible Trail of the Falls winds gently beside calmer waters, making it easy to linger by the riverbanks. Fishermen cast lines into the Towaliga, while kayaks and canoes glide silently across the glassy lake on the north side. Midday conversations drift from picnic tables, some shaded beneath tall hardwoods, others soaking up sun near the water’s edge. As afternoon wanes, the town of Forsyth—just a short drive away—offers a stroll through its walkable streets, with stops at Fox City Brewing or Jonah’s on Johnston to refuel before returning to camp.

The campgrounds themselves offer a balance of rustic charm and thoughtful upkeep. The River campground’s sites hug the water’s edge, with space enough for tents and smaller rigs, though you won’t find full hookups here—there’s a dump station to handle waste after your stay. Bathhouses gleam with care, featuring washers and dryers that run on quarters, a convenience that keeps gear fresh even after muddy hikes. Hosts keep the grounds tidy, their presence quietly reassuring. At dusk, fire rings flicker to life, and the steady sound of the falls becomes a lullaby, blending with the calls of night birds and the occasional rustle of wildlife venturing close under a starry sky.

Campers return to High Falls not just for the water and trails, but for the feeling of being part of a living landscape shaped by river and rock. The falls’ roar and the wooded