What Is Florida’s Tallest Waterfall?
Florida is famous for its endless idyllic coastlines, the Everglades, and other tropical environments but is not typically known for its waterfalls. Given the flat topography of The Sunshine State, there are few opportunities for rivers and creeks to cascade considerable distances. However, thanks to the sinkholes at Falling Waters State Park, the namesake waterfall is able to plunge 73 feet (22 meters) into the limestone bedrock, making it the tallest in the state. Let's delve into the unique geology of this panhandle park, celebrate its centerpiece attraction, and also highlight some of the surrounding experiences/amenities that make Falling Waters a worthwhile weekend trip for the whole family.
Where Is Florida's Tallest Waterfall?
Falling Waters Falls is found within the small but scenic Falling Waters State Park in northwestern Florida (aka the Florida panhandle). This site sits just three miles south of the city of Chipley, which is the seat of Washington County. Falling Waters State Park is also adjacent to Interstate 10 (I-10) - America's southernmost transcontinental highway and fourth longest interstate. Falling Waters can, therefore, be reached quite quickly and easily from the state capital, Tallahassee, which is 86 miles east of the park, or from the major destinations along the Emerald Coast, such as Pensacola (116 miles to the west), Destin (78 miles southwest), or Panama City (56 miles south).
The Geology Of Falling Waters State Park
The limestone underlying Falling Waters State Park was formed between 20-30 million years ago, at a time when modern-day Florida was underwater. Once sea levels retreated, groundwaters began to eat away at the subterranean limestone, creating large voids in the rock - a process known as dissolution. Eventually, the surface weight became too much for the weakened foundation, causing everything to collapse into a sinkhole. This has happened many times over, as is evidenced by the park's karst topography. Oftentimes, these windows into the underworld reveal intricate networks of tunnels and caves that are in a continuous state of development. In the case of Falling Waters Falls, Branch Creek (provided there has been sufficient rainfall) tumbles into a 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide cylindrical sinkhole. Expert cave explorers/spelunkers have been able to map 400 feet of passages beneath the park, but it is still unknown where the creek ultimately flows.
Falling Waters State Park is not only home to the tallest waterfall in Florida, but its main campground also resides atop one of the largest hills in the region (324 feet above sea level). Like the waterfall, this high point arose (so to speak) in an unexpected way. Instead of the earth being thrust upwards by tectonic forces, the surrounding area sank due to extensive dissolution. The campground mound (formally designated as the "Miocene Alum Bluff Group") held strong thanks to its quartz sand and clay composition, which protected the underlying limestone from decay.
Amenities And Attractions Around Falling Waters State Park
Florida's Falling Waters State Park is open 365 days a year, from 8 am until sunset, and charges an entrance fee of $5 (US) per vehicle. The state's tallest waterfall is certainly the star attraction, but there are many reasons to swing by this fun and rejuvenating place. For starters, there is a nice network of mixed trails. Yes, the first adventure should be on the short concrete walkway/series of boardwalks that not only extends to within almost arm's reach of the 73-foot waterfall but also passes several other fern-and-moss-covered sinkholes within the tranquil white oak, magnolia, beech, and dogwood forest. If you're looking to boost your daily steps, hop on the Wiregrass/Terrace Trail, which spans from the waterfall to the campground and parallels a small lake en route. This swimming hole is a destination unto itself. On sunny days, groups love to gather on the sandy beach to sunbathe, splash around, and (provided you have the state's freshwater license) fish.
Keep the good times rolling by snagging one of the 24 sites at Falling Waters' pet-friendly campground. Each spot is equipped with water and electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a ground grill. Plus, the whole place is bathed in a pine forest on the aforementioned hill overlooking the rest of the park. There is also a separate youth camping area for formal organizations to reserve. As a final bonus, if you happen to roll through on a Saturday (during the fair-weather season), park rangers will offer fireside chats to campers curious to learn more about the park.
Staying the night will not only allow for more time at the lake, falls, and on the trails but will also afford a side trip to another local geological gem: Florida Caverns State Park - located just 25 miles (approximately 30 minutes) to the east. Here, visitors can tour the only dry, commercially-operated cave in the state.
See You Next Fall
Florida's tallest waterfall is an impressive natural feature with a captivating backstory. Unlike a classic waterfall that gushes down a steep mountain cliff, Falling Waters originates at sea level and falls 73 feet into a limestone sinkhole. By installing an observation deck that's close enough to feel the mist, Falling Waters State Park has done a great job at bringing the record-holder attraction to the public. This underrated Florida park is open every day of the year, so despite my little header pun, float on by whenever you find yourself in the Florida panhandle.
