Rural Lake in Central Georgia, Convenient to I-75 and Macon

East of Interstate 75 just north of the Georgia town of Forsyth, High Falls Lake covers 650 acres in Butts, Monroe and Lamar counties northwest of Macon.

The lake is created by the Towliga River and gets its name from the river's 135-foot waterfalls, the highest falls in middle Georgia.

State Park on Site of Historic Ghost Town

Between the lake and the town of Jackson, in Butts County, is the 1,050-acre High Falls State Park, located largely on the site of the former town of High Falls, a prosperous community for most of the 19th century that was abandoned after the new railroad bypassed the town in the 1880s.

The park's trails offer visitors scenic views of the river's famed waterfalls and the foundation of the old town's grist mill.

Daylight Fishing and Crappie Tournament

The lake is open to fishing during daylight hours only, and the operation of motors greater than ten horsepower is prohibited.

Every March the lake hosts the Forsythia Festival Crappie Tournament, but the locals consider High Falls Lake to be some of the best fishing for largemouth, hybrid and striped bass, as well as bream and catfish.

Lots of Recreational Opportunities

In addition to more than four miles of hiking trails, the state park near High Falls Lake has two boat ramps and fishing boat, canoe and kayak rentals.

There is no swimming allowed in the lake, but the state park's swimming pool is close by, as is the miniature golf course.

There are almost 100 traditional campsites, a pioneer campground, 25 paddle-in primitive sites, and six lakeside canvas-and-wood yurt structures, with decks, grills, furniture and electricity.