High Falls
High Falls is an impressive 120 ft. multi-tiered waterfall that cuts through the surrounding rocks and cliffs. The top of the falls is a dam, before which the river is calm, wide and deep. Up top I encountered a few fishermen who said there is good swimming above and some places to jump into the river. Below the falls is a decent pool, but mostly shallow water. The whole thing is very picturesque and a great place to spend an afternoon.
To get to the falls, travel to High Falls Park Campground and pay the small fee at the office (it was $3 when we went). They will provide you with a map on how to get to the falls. Basically you’ll follow the trail a little ways and it will split in two, going right brings you to the calm river above the falls, left will lead you to a long winding staircase that will take you to the base. The upper portion has a few fire pits and some cliffs surrounding a slow moving wide river. The fishermen I met told me they enter from Pulp Mill Rd. and there’s a path from the bridge that follows the river. They also said the upper part of the river is great for swimming as it is very deep.
When going to the base of the falls, be careful the stairs leading down can be slippery and there are reports of poison ivy, so be on the lookout. At the base there’s a decent pool you can get in and a nice area to hang out on (kind of a beach, but more like a small rock field). This is definitely worth a visit, and going through the campground, as the entry fee keeps the place clean and accessible.
Location Details
- 15 min.
- +44 54.497, -74 05.225
- Moderate