FALLING WATERS STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller May 30, 2025

Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, Florida, is home to the state’s tallest waterfall. The park spans 171 acres in Washington County. Visitors can explore sinkholes, trails, and a butterfly garden.

It offers camping, hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The park’s natural beauty draws nature lovers and travelers seeking a serene stop. 

Falling Waters State Park

The park has a rich history. Native Americans lived here 5,000 years ago. Artifacts from the Weeden Island period (450-1000 AD) were found.

During the Seminole Wars, Indian warriors hid in the sinkholes. A Civil War-era gristmill used the waterfall’s power. In 1891, a whiskey distillery operated near the falls.

In 1919, drillers searched for oil, reaching 4,912 feet. No commercial oil was found, and the well was capped in 1921.

The park was donated to the state in 1962. Development began in 1963. 

Falling Waters State Park is located at 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428, three miles south of downtown. From I-10, take exit 120, drive south on SR 77, and turn left on CR 77A.

The park is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. The Sinkhole Trail, with boardwalks, leads to the 73-foot waterfall. Trails are short and suitable for all skill levels. Pets must be leashed.

The campground has 24 sites with water and electric hookups. Reservations are recommended through the Florida State Parks website or by calling (850) 638-6130. Restrooms, showers, and a dump station are available.

A small lake offers swimming and fishing with a valid Florida license. Picnics are popular, with pavilions and tables provided. Visit after rain for the best waterfall views. 

• The waterfall drops into a 100-foot-deep sinkhole, and its final destination is unknown.  

• The park’s campground sits at 324 feet, one of Florida’s highest elevations.  

• A 2007 archaeological dig found 1,000 - 1,500 year old artifacts, including a possible cave painting.  

• The park was the first in Florida to use prescribed burns to maintain its ecosystem.  

• Exotic plants like mimosa and Japanese privet remain from a failed 1920s nursery.  

• The sinkholes once hid Native American warriors during the Seminole Wars.  

• A 400-year-old Spanish diary sparked the 1919 oil drilling effort. 

FALLING WATERS STATE PARK WEBSITE