High Falls State Park

High Falls State Park is a 1,050-acre (4.2 km²) Georgia state park located near the city of Jackson. It is the site of a prosperous 19th-century industrial center, which became a ghost town when it was bypassed by the railroad. The park contains the largest waterfall in middle Georgia and a 650-acre (2.6 km²) lake.

History

In the early 19th century, the park's land was a prosperous industrial town with several stores, a grist mill, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, and shoe factory. However, the town, called High Falls, became a ghost town in the 1880s when it was bypassed by a major railroad. The remains of the bridge on Old Alabama Road still partially stand to offer views of the shoals below the dam. The bridge, constructed in 1890, was mostly destroyed in the flood of 1994. The park's trails offer visitors scenic views of the largest waterfall in middle Georgia on the Towaliga River, cascading over 135 feet (41 m) to the base. Historic hikes lead to the foundation of the old grist mill and ruins of the old powerhouse. The park contains a 650-acre (2.6 km²) lake.

Facilities

• 111 tent/trailer/RV sites
• 5 picnic shelters
• Group shelter
• Pioneer camping
• Miniature golf course
• Swimming pool
• 3 hiking trails

Annual events

• Canoe trips
• Forsythia Festival Crappie Tournament (March)

Pop culture

Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band wrote an instrumental titled "High Falls". It is likely that it was titled after the park, due to the heavy amount of time the band spent in Georgia. The song is 14 and a half minutes long.

Images

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  High Falls

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  High Falls

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  Lake at High Falls

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  High Falls Dam

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  Remains of powerhouse

External links

• High Falls State Park
• High Falls State Park Hiking