FORSYTH, Ga. — Joel Gomoll and his family are from Florida, so waterfalls are pretty exciting.
“Yes I have seen the falls and I really like them, I like the noise of them and I like the way they look," he said.
You can start off 2024 with that childlike wonder by participating in the First Hike at High Falls on Monday.
Ranger Kathy Harrington says those walks are accessible to everyone, including folks who have a wheelchair.
“We are going to start out on the historic trail which is ADA available because we want as many people as possible to take advantage of it and then we're going to move to the tranquility trail which is 2.2 miles,” she said.
Bring your dog, bring your strollers and kids, you have a mission to accomplish.
“We give the kids a junior ranger book so the kids can fill them out while their hiking keep their attention and keep them focused,” Kathie explained.
"And then at the end of the hike we have a first day hike pin or a first day hike sticker."
Then, Kathie will swear the little ones in as junior rangers.
For the adults, there are probably some things you didn't know about this wildly popular place in Monroe county.
“This was one of the few water powered electrical um stations in the early 1800's, and a lot of people think the damn is high falls and that's not the case," she explained.
The more rigorous falls trail isn't on this hike, but Kathie says a lot of folks meander on down the stairs after the first event.
Consider visiting a state park near you, and be sure to wear closed toed hiking boots as you amble your way into a healthy 2024.
There are a number of state parks in Central Georgia, including High Falls in Monroe County, Balls Ferry State Park in Toomsboro, Hamburg State Park which is close to Washington County and Indian Springs which isn't too far from High Falls, and to our south there's Veterans State Park near Cordele, and Little Ocmulgee down in Helena.
Dogs do have to come with a six-foot leash for the walk.