Day Tripper: Falling Waters State Park

CHIPLEY, Fla. — With the summer months quickly approaching, our readers may be thinking about outings or quick trips in and around the panhandle of Florida.  We thought creating a “Day Tripper” feature might help provide suggestions for quick and easy getaways.  Today’s recommendation will take our readers just over an hour and fifteen minutes to reach by car from Niceville. Falling Waters State Park is a ‘showplace’ when it comes to our state parks.  It is perfect for a family outing or a romantic picnic for couples. 

The primary attraction is found in the name of this park.  Falling Waters is the home to Florida’s tallest waterfall.  At 74 feet in height, there are platforms where visitors may see the top of the waterfall and, on the same platform, see the very bottom of the limestone cavern where the water descends.  In the same area, impressive sinkholes add to the dramatic and beautiful environment.  The State of Florida has created a wonderful wide boardwalk that welcomes every visitor, including visitors with disabilities.

Also located nearby are trails that take visitors to the large freshwater lake named Turtle Lake. This lake also has a great boardwalk with a sandy white beach at the water’s edge.  Swimmers, hikers, and folks who want to fish are all welcome to this mountain-like setting.

While we visited the park last week, families were enjoying the wonderful pavilions for family gatherings and overnight camping.  All the facilities are new, and the park is sure to be a favorite for visitors to Florida state parks.  In fact, while walking on the boardwalk to the beautiful falls, it was easy to imagine that Falling Waters would be the perfect location for an outdoor wedding.  And yes, weddings and receptions are permitted within the park.