Perhaps not everybody knows, but Florida is the flattest state in the United States. One might automatically assume that would rule out a lot of natural wonders, and in particular water falls. After all, how can there be water falls when there is no up to fall from, or no down to fall to? That is one reason why it is such a pleasant surprise to discover Falling Waters State Park, which not only encompasses the states highest elevation, it also includes Florida’s highest water fall. We’re about to discover the things to do at Falling Waters State Park, and why it presents such a nice getaway, with lovely scenery, plenty of recreation options, a bit of history, and a mystery.
Getting to Falling Waters State Park
Falling Waters State Park is located about 3 miles south of Chipley, Florida, in the Florida Panhandle, just a short distance from Interstate 10. It is about 45 miles north of one of our favorite vacation spots, Panama City, Florida.
Being so proximate to I10 means the park is easily accessible coming from anywhere in the south, and it makes a good stopping point on any type of road trip going west from Jacksonville or east from New Orleans. It also makes a good point to spend a night when going into, or coming out of, the greater Florida peninsula.
Camping at Falling Waters State Park
The park has a full campground area with 24 campsites, each with 20/30/50 AMP electricity, water, a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites can be used for tent camping or RV stays. There is a bathhouse with showers, and dump station for common use. There is also a playground in the campground area.
The campground is open all year round, and cost a base rate of $18 a night. There is a non-refundable one-time reservation fee. In addition there is a $7.00 nightly utility fee for RVs or other types of vehicles that require “hooking up,” which includes water, sewer and electricity. Check in time is 3:00 pm, and sites are expected to be vacated by 1:00 on the departure day.
Funny enough, the campground sits on the highest elevation location in the entire state of Florida, at 324 feet above sea level.
The History of Falling Waters State Park
The geology of this part of Florida is the result of sandy sediment and soil sitting on top of a layer limestone. This was caused during the climatic flux of the ice ages, with the sea rising and falling, depositing ever more layers of sand. The limestone bed has been eroding for millennia, forming caverns, springs, and ultimately sinkholes as the weakened limestone could no longer support the weight of the soil above. The namesake waterfall in the park is fed by springs, and it falls into a sink, which we will see later.
As for the cultural history of the area, it is known that the caves in the area were used as hideouts by the Natives while they fought against Andrew Jackson in the Seminole Wars.
Archaeologic digs have discovered Native American artifacts going back between 1,000 and 1,500 years ago. It is speculated that these early people were attracted to the area for the same reason that visitors come today, the waterfall. Items found include bits of pottery and arrowheads. There were also cave markings that the scientists believe may be remnants of the only cave painting ever found in the state.
In the mid 1800s, a grist mill was constructed, using the power of the waterfall to grind corn throughout the Civil War.
After the mill fell into disuse, a whiskey distillery was in use near the falls, as you can see from the informational post located in the park.
Later, in 1919, Florida’s first oil well was drilled in the park, based upon local legends. It was drilled to almost 5,000 feet, but it was soon capped, due to non-productivity.
In1962 the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials acquired the land, and began to enforce protection of the sinkholes and caves that play a critical role in the Florida aquifer and water supply. Soon after that, recreational facilities began construction, so the lands could be used for public enjoyment, while maintaining the integrity of the unique landscape.
Things to Do at Falling Waters State Park
Birding and Wildlife Observation
The park is known for having over 100 different species of birds having been viewed in the park. Wildlife commonly seen include deer, and a variety of small animals such as foxes, squirrels, turtles, snakes, and lizards, such as the skink in the photo.
Butterfly Watching
The Memorial Butterfly Garden is filled with plants that are attractive to butterflies, and many beautiful species are frequently seen cavorting about. It is a very relaxing thing to do in Falling Waters State Park.
Swimming
Falling Waters has a two acre lake with a white sand beach that is a popular draw for swimming during the hotter months. The swimming area is roped off for separation from the deeper parts of the lake, and there are picnic tables, restrooms and showers in the near vicinity.
Fishing
The other side of the lake is also a good fishing spot. All would-be fishermen over 16 are required to have a Florida freshwater fishing license, and to abide by the seasonal regulations on types of fishing and the size of “keepers.”
Geocaching
We love Geocaching, and cachers can put their skills to the test at Falling Waters. There is a traditional cache which is one of the 15 that are part of the Washington County Heritage GeoTrail. There is also an earth cache which provides quite a bit more education about the landscape and geology than I have.
Campfire Circles
If you are camping, or staying into the evening, attending a campfire circle is one of the fun and educational things to do in Falling Water State Park. Rangers cover a variety of topics, and give visitors time to ask questions about the waterfall and park history. Schedules are posted on kiosks in the park, and available at the ranger station.
Hiking
Hikers can walk the beautiful trails in the park and see what Florida looked like 400 years ago when the Spaniards arrived in La Florida. There are three short nature trails meandering through the park, exploring its fascinating features, including woodlands and pine forest. There are informational signs and kiosks along the way.
See the Waterfall
Well, it’s about time we got to this. The parks special feature is Florida’s highest waterfall. You reach it by following Sink Hole Trail, which is lined with sinkholes covered in pine trees and ferns. This is the most important and impressive of the things to do in Falling Waters State Park.
There are numerous sinkholes, and there are different types. This particular example, Falling Water Sinkhole, is a chimney sinkhole, obviously named for the long narrow channel.
Specifically, it is “a smooth wall pit” 20 feet wide, and 100 feet deep. The water fall is spring fed, as is the small lake used for swimming and fishing.
This small stream of water drops 73 feet to the bottom of the pit.
It is a light waterfall most of the year, but it is still pretty spectacular to see from the viewing deck.Â
The Mystery: The final destination of the water, is unknown!
Admission:
$5.00 per vehicle, limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 single occupant vehicle.
$2.00 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers
For more information on Falling Waters State Park, visit their website here : https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Falling-Waters
Don’t Forget the Things to Do in Falling Waters State Park – PIN IT!
If you are looking for another State Park in the southeast, we recommend Silver Springs State Park, Florida, and Cathedral Caverns State Park, Alabama. Or, start on our Budget Trips page to find all of the state parks we have visited!
About the Author
Barb Lindsoe has lived in Florida for several years now, since here retirement from AT&T. Although she calls the state home, she frequently travels to visit her sons David and Ryan in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, so that allows many opportunities to explore while enroute.
Barb is an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and always has been. Â She also travels to Arizona to pick up a few games during spring training each year, and of course make a few other games around the country when possible. Â
If you would like to know more about the author of this post, visit our authors page, here: Authors and Guest Travelers
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