Towaliga Falls Day Hike at High Falls State Park

High Falls State Park is named for the tumbling cascades of the Towaliga River, which plunges roughly 135 feet in multiple drops. The falls occur along Georgia’s fall line, a geological boundary between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, where rivers drop over hard metamorphic rock to softer sediments.

On this hike we’ll explore forest trails, riverside overlooks, and historic features connected to the area’s early industrial use. Participants can expect a relaxed pace with opportunities to learn about regional hydrology, Piedmont ecology, and the role state parks play in protecting Georgia’s waterways and public lands. 

Schedule & Activities

Meeting Location:76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, GA 30233

We will meet near the main visitor area before beginning a guided hike along the Towaliga River. The route will follow scenic trails that provide multiple views of Towaliga Falls and the surrounding gorge. Throughout the hike, we will stop at key overlooks to discuss the geology of the Piedmont, river ecology, and the cultural history of the park. 

Plan Your Trip

Arrival Time:

Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, restrooms, and check-in. A Georgia State Parks Day Pass is required and can be purchased on-site.

What Should I Pack:

Wear weather-appropriate gear, bring water, lunch, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes, layered weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray.

How Long Is the Hike?

Approximately 3.5 miles total, with breaks included.

Accessibility & Terrain:

Trail surfaces include packed dirt paths, exposed rock, and uneven sections near the river. Some moderate inclines and rocky areas are present along the route. The trail may be slippery after rain. 

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/gc2026waiver

Every participant will be required to fill out completely and sign, our online waiver. The waiver link will be included in your big tickets confirmation email as well as the 2 weeks out trips detailed email. If a paddling trip, all participants must have basic paddling skills, wear a PFD/Life vest, and be capable of self-rescue in the water. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian. While Georgia Conservancy staff and other Outfitters may assist on some trips and be available with medical and/or First Aid training (those individuals will be identified), we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides to direct you through each bend of the river or lead you into the wilderness, Georgia Conservancy trips, whether a paddle, adventure, or service trip, are all designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety. All participants are assuming risks (some of which are outlined in our liability waiver) while participating in a Georgia Conservancy Stewardship Trip.

1.) Cancellation/Refund Policy: Georgia Conservancy trips are non-transferable and are hosted rain or shine. The Georgia Conservancy reserves the right to cancel or shorten any trip before departure as well as change the itinerary. If you have any questions about the trip price and what the payment includes, please contact Shaundon Moore (smoore@gaconservancy.org) before you register.

Notification Prior to the Trip Refund Policy

• 20 days or more Full refund using the original method of payment
• 8 to 19 days Refund total paid less $10 processing fee*
• 4 to 7 days Refund 50% of total paid*
• 3 days & under No refund
• * We cannot guarantee the refund in the original method of payment and refunds may be made by check.

If a trip is canceled and not rescheduled by Georgia Conservancy, then all participants will receive a full refund using the original method of payment.

If a trip is canceled and then rescheduled, each participant may receive a full refund if they request cancellation within 1 week of being notified of the new trip date.

2.) Acceptable Behavior and Policies for Participants (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco): As part of our mission to provide healthy experiences we have several policies for behavior on trips. All illegal substances are prohibited. There’s one easy way to wreck your trip (and your friends’) with the Georgia Conservancy: overconsumption of alcohol. Alcohol can pose a serious risk to your health and others when consumed during a trip and will dehydrate you. That being said participants 21 years of age or older ARE welcome to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beverages) and enjoy them on GAC trips if used in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If your behavior negatively impacts other participants that behavior will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of smoking around others.

3.) Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC): All water-based programming participants (including all paddlesport programs) must acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing) -Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water -Independently hold head upright without head / neck support -Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion -Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a companion -Paddlesports program participants must also acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket -Get in / out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Independently get out from under a capsized paddlecraft -Re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the --ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation.

4.) Discrimination and Harassment Policy: No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by any participants or staff during any Georgia Conservancy event. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the staff or other Georgia Conservancy Authorities. 

5.) LNT/Recycling: The Georgia Conservancy strives to adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) Guidelines for all trips/events. We provide recycling options for every trip as well so please ask us before you throw away any recyclables in the wrong container.

Participants are responsible for any rental gear they receive during a trip. If you are unfamiliar with the set-up or correct function of the gear it is your responsibility to seek out a conservancy staff member to show you. We love talking gear so don’t be afraid to ask questions!