High Falls State Park facts for kids
High Falls State Park is a super cool Georgia state park that covers about 1,050 acres. That's like 795 football fields! It's located near a town called Jackson in Monroe County, Georgia. This park is special because it used to be a busy town in the 1800s, but then it became a ghost town. Today, it's home to the biggest waterfall in middle Georgia and a large lake that's about 650 acres big.
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A Town That Disappeared
Long ago, in the early 1800s, the area where High Falls State Park is now was a busy little town. It was called High Falls and had lots of shops, a mill for grinding grain, a machine for cleaning cotton, a blacksmith shop, and even a shoe factory! It was a very active place.
But then, in the 1880s, something big happened. A major railroad was built, but it didn't go through High Falls. Because the railroad went somewhere else, people and businesses started to move away. Slowly, the town became a ghost town, with most people leaving.
Today, you can still see parts of an old bridge from 1890 on Old Alabama Road. This bridge was mostly destroyed by a big flood in 1994, but its remains offer cool views of the river below.
Amazing Waterfalls and Hikes
The park's trails let you see the largest waterfall in middle Georgia! It's on the Towaliga River and drops an amazing 135 feet. Imagine all that water rushing down!
As you hike, you can explore the history of the old town. You'll find the foundations of the old grist mill and the ruins of the old powerhouse. It's like stepping back in time to see what was once a busy industrial center. The park also has a large lake, perfect for enjoying the water.
Fun Things to Do at High Falls
High Falls State Park has lots of cool things for visitors to enjoy!
Camping and Picnics
- There are 97 spots for tents, trailers, and RVs if you want to camp overnight.
- You can also find 5 picnic shelters, perfect for a meal outdoors.
- For a unique adventure, there's even a special campsite you can only reach by paddling a boat!
- There's also a group shelter and a pioneer campground for bigger groups.
Activities and Events
- You can play a round of Miniature golf!
- On hot days, you can cool off in the Swimming pool.
- The park sometimes offers fun canoe trips.
- In March, there's a special fishing tournament called the Forsythia Festival Crappie Tournament.
Planning Your Visit
High Falls State Park is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The park office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It's free to enter the park, but there's a $5 fee for parking your car. You can also buy an annual pass if you plan to visit often. If you're using a GPS to find the park, the address is 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, Georgia, 30233.
Images for kids
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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
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Picnic tables overlooking High Falls Lake
