Falling Waters State Park is one of Florida’s hidden jewels, a 74-foot waterfall is one of the most significant geological features in the state and the source of the park’s name.
Falling Waters State Park is located at 1130 State Park Road in
Chipley Florida. For more information, click here.
Sections of boardwalk connect concrete walkways and natural dirt trails that leads visitors to many of the park’s features, including Florida’s highest waterfall. The cascades are dependent on recent precipitation, which means a rainy day that might end other outdoor adventures, could result in an improved experience at this park.
Even when sunshine prevails, the view of this 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide cylindrical sinkhole with steep limestone walls that disappear into a cave at the bottom is a spectacle sure to provide you with amazing views to photograph.
To access the waterfall, follow the Wire Grass boardwalk trail that takes visitors to two viewing platforms. For the most immersive experience, the lower platform descends to a spot below the rim of the sinkhole where one can feel the mist off the water as it cascades down into the depths. The upper platform provides a higher and drier observation point. Viewers will notice that as the water hits the seemingly solid floor of the sinkhole very little if any water collects there. It disappears into a hidden cave system below. While the waterfall’s source is easily discovered by any visitor, its destination remains unknown. Rain or shine, Falling Waters State Park is a destination that is sure to provide you with an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Call it hiking, walking or taking a stroll, the footpaths and trails of Falling Waters State Park are diverse enough to be many things to many people. There are three short nature trails that meander through Falling Waters State Park. These trails will take you around 100-foot-deep sinkholes, the tallest waterfall in Florida and many other points of interest. In total there is about 1 mile of trail to hike but part of what makes these trails unique is the park’s topography. There are few parks in Florida that can rival Falling Waters State Park when it comes to hills, which can make hiking challenging for guests.
Falling Waters State Park has a two-acre freshwater lake with a white sand beach that offers park guests a cool place to escape the Florida heat. The swimming area also has a shower to rinse, picnic tables, and a restroom where you can change into your swimming attire.
Located on one of the highest hills in Florida, Pine Ridge Campground has the highest elevation in the state at 324 feet above sea level. Nestled among the long leaf pine and dogwoods are 24 campsites, each with a picnic table, water, 20/30/50 amp electric service, and a burn ring for a relaxing campfire at night. There is also a full-facility bathhouse and a dump station for your convenience. $18 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.
If you love hiking, camping, chasing waterfalls, swimming, or just being surrounded by gorgeous nature, then Falling Waters State Park is a place you need to check out! The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. There is a $5 per car fee to enter the park. Pictures used in this article are owned by the Florida State Parks district.
For more great locations in the area, click here. For more lodging options, click here. For a list of family activities in the area, click here.
