"FLORIDA'S HIGHEST WATERFALL"
Falling Waters State Park derives its name from one of Florida's
most notable geological features: a 67-foot waterfall. Falling
Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into
which flows a small stream which drops 67 feet to the bottom of
the sink. The water's final destination is not yet known.
Falling Waters State Park is located 3 miles south of Chipley,
Florida. In this quaint town you’ll find antique shops,
restaurants, Wal-Mart, and almost anything you will need to make
your stay a pleasant one. From the park you are a short drive from
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park, Florida Caverns State Park, and
some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Resources
A sinkhole is created when rainwater containing weak acids
(derived from carbon dioxide and organic material) seeps down
through cracks in the limestone. The acid slowly dissolves away
the limestone, creating caverns. Occasionally, the surface over a
cavern will collapse; and a sinkhole is formed. Usually, it is a
funnel-shaped depression which is less striking than the
smooth-walled "chimney" of Falling Waters. The sinkholes here were
designated in May 1980 as a State Natural Feature. An overlook
platform provides an excellent view of the waterfall and sink. In
addition to the main sink, the hilly terrain is honeycombed with
other limestone sinks visible from the boardwalk.
The fall's flow is dependent upon the uplands watershed.
Consequently, during dry periods, the water flow will decrease
dramatically.
Full Facility Camping
This
171-acre park has 24 campsites nestled in an upland pine forest.
Each site has a picnic table, ground grill, and clotheslines.
Water and electric are available and there is a dump station for
your convenience. Reservations for Falling Waters State Park can
be made through Reserve America.
Youth Camping
The youth camping area is designed to accommodate organized groups
of all ages, and has a capacity of 50 individuals. This camping
area has two large fire rings, picnic tables, water, and an old
fashion out house. It is located close to the lake area of the
park in a hardwood forest. Fees for the youth area are $2.00 per
night per child under 18, and $3.00 per night per adult, 18 and
over.
Campfire Circle
The campground has a campfire circle and amphitheater for camper
gatherings and summer interpretive programs presented by one of
the Ranger staff.
Spend the evening with a Park Ranger and watch a slide show at
the amphitheater, or sit around a campfire and take in an
interpretive talk and experience why the real Florida is so
special. These programs are given on Saturday evenings and are
free to registered campers.
Nature Trails
The
park has three short nature trails. One trail will take you past
the butterfly garden as you stroll toward the waterfall sinkhole.
Once there, you can actually walk down into this sinkhole and get
a breath taking view of Florida's highest waterfall.
Then take an elevated boardwalk around a series of sinkholes
under a canopy of southern magnolias and other hardwoods.
There are self-guided tours and information kiosks throughout
the park. A guided tour by a Park Ranger of Falling Waters State
Park is available to groups by prior notification (call the park).
As always, if your curiosity has gotten the best of you, and you
want to know why we burn the park, have sink holes, or even have
parks at all, just ask a Park Ranger.
Picnicking
Bring your lunch and spend the day picnicking in a longlead pine
forest. Two pavilions (available for reservations), BBQ grills,
picnic tables, restrooms, and playground equipment are available.
Swimming
The park has a two-acre lake with a white sand beach. It is a
great place to relax and get your feet wet. The swimming area of
the lake is sectioned off for safety, and has a sand bottom. There
are picnic tables, benches, and restrooms under shade trees. You
can fish at the lake in designated areas with a Florida Freshwater
Fishing License.
Driving Directions
1130 State Park Road, Chipley,
Florida 32428
Falling Waters State Park is located 3 miles south of Chipley off
State Road 77, turn left on State Park Road and follow it to the
park's entrance. From I-10, take Chipley Exit south on State Road
77 and follow signs to the park.
▪ LAT 30.73083
▪ LON 85.52889
Park Contact
850-638-6130
Reservations
Click here for reservation information.
Reserve America, a division of
Ticketmaster, is the official reservation service
for Florida's state parks.
Information provide August 2002 by the
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. For additional information or to check for park
updates, please visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ . To report any problems
with the information posted, please email
webmaster@destin-ation.com.
(Return
to top of page.)
|