High Falls is a waterfall in the Talladega National Forest. Many waterfalls bear that same name elsewhere, it isn’t even the only one in Alabama, but let me assure you this one is worth a visit. It isn’t too far from other points of interest in the national forest such as Cheaha Falls or the Nubbin Creek Trail. High Falls isn’t just one waterfall, it is several. The trailhead is easy to find by going along Clairmont Springs Rd which is one of the major roads within the area, and touches the aptly named High Falls Dr where the trailhead itself is. You can find the High Falls Trailhead with a simple Google search. Once you arrive you’ll find a little parking area that can handle just a few cars, and a trail that goes into a very tall canyon where you’ll progress upstream following High Fall Branch.
This whole trek is less than a mile round trip. You’ll first enter the canyon where you may see some evidence of primitive camp sites. You’ll work your way along the trail on the east side of the creek and eventually be forced to cross the stream. After you do you’ll encounter the lower, middle and upper tiers of falls, all of which are majestic. Before you can reach the upper tier you’ll even get to go up a metal staircase that was built into the cliff to help hikers along. Once you’ve seen the upper tier, turn around, and trek back to the trailhead because the trail keeps going far, far into the wilderness but the waterfall part is done.
