Florida Guide > State Parks
FALLING WATERS
Falling Waters State Park is situated off the S. R. 77. 3 miles south of Chipley
The waterfall at this park powered a mill during the Civil War. When the war had ended the mill fell into disuse and some lumber fell into it. You can see some of these timbers today at this park.
After then boot leg whiskey was produced at the top of the waterfall and sold to the men who were working on the rail road. The building site for this rail road eventually became the site of the town called Chipley.
There was an oil rush around 1920, however, it all came to nought and the drills were capped and the search abandoned.
Later this place became a nursery garden until it became bankrupt in the depressed era of the 1930s. This nursery established some plants that were foreign to this area such as date palm, mimosa and privet and these still flourish today.
The main attractions here are the waterfall and the smooth sink hole. The waterfall is thw largest in Florida; you may may swim in the waterfall since it is 67 feet deep and no one knows where it goes after falling into this cvernous hole.
Sink holes are created over a long period of time when the acid in the rain strengthens as it filters through plant matter, When it hits the lime stone floor it gradually erodes it until a cavern is falled. Over time, these caverns tend to get so thin that they fall in and create the sink hole.
The large sink hole here is especially interesting since it is smooth walled. Apart from the main hole, there are many smaller ones vovered in ferns, which you can clearly see from the board walk.
There are trails to enjoy here; The Sink Hole Trail takes you through hardwood and magnolias and is raised for a good view. You can go down into the large sink hole and get a different perspective and there is a trail down to the waterfall. There are guides to the trails dotted around this state park so make sure you pick one up.
Do not miss the butterfly garden when you visit; there are examples of the resident butterflies and some migrating ones too.
Though you cannot swim in the waterfall, you may swim in the lake, so take your swimming costumes. There are 2 pavilions in the picnic area which is sited in the long leaf forest. Here you will also find a childrens play ground, loos and some barbecues.
Falling Waters State Park
1130 State Park Road
Chipley, Florida 32428
Phone: 850-638-6130
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