Those who have driven I-10 across the northern portion of Florida know that it is not the most exciting interstate on which to travel. It's the most convenient way to get from Jacksonville to Tallahassee and then further on to Pensacola before heading out of the state, but there is not much in between those cities. However, there are some sites of interest along the way. My husband and I had the opportunity to visit one of these sites for an hour or so while traveling home from visiting family in Texas. Falling Waters State Park near Chipley, Florida is just off I-10 and is well worth the stop.
I've lived in Florida for 20 years and only recently learned that there is a unique waterfall in the Panhandle of the state. Who would've thought that a waterfall was even possible in such a flat state!? Florida is more known for its hurricanes, humidity, alligators, and sinkholes. And that is what makes this waterfall unique - it falls into a 100 foot deep sinkhole. The amount of water going over the edge varies depending on rainfall. The day we visited, there was a lighter flow of water than there would be after a heavy rain. Regardless, the largest waterfall in Florida with its 73 foot cascade is a lovely sight to see.
I've lived in Florida for 20 years and only recently learned that there is a unique waterfall in the Panhandle of the state. Who would've thought that a waterfall was even possible in such a flat state!? Florida is more known for its hurricanes, humidity, alligators, and sinkholes. And that is what makes this waterfall unique - it falls into a 100 foot deep sinkhole. The amount of water going over the edge varies depending on rainfall. The day we visited, there was a lighter flow of water than there would be after a heavy rain. Regardless, the largest waterfall in Florida with its 73 foot cascade is a lovely sight to see.
Delicate, lacy ferns From the main parking lot, there is a paved walkway with several vantage points from which to view the waterfall. The first gives a partial view of the waterfall.
Falling Waters State Park, Florida
The walkway meanders through a natural wooded area with a ground covering of lacy ferns, moss covered logs, and native plants. It bypasses several small sinkholes along the way and leads to the second vantage point with a view of the waterfall and the larger sinkhole that consumes it.
Delicate ferns and a delicate waterfall
Water falling into the sinkhole
There are 12 sinkholes within Falling Waters State Park. Unlike much of the rest of the state, this area of Florida is characterized by gentle rolling hills and some steep ridges. Nearby Falling Waters Hill rises 310 feet above sea level. The highest natural point in the state of Florida is only 345 feet and is located about 37 miles east of Chipley.
A wooden stairway leads down to a viewing platform where one can look into the mouth of the 20 foot wide sinkhole and feel the mist of the cascade as it disappears into an underground cave and enters the underlying cave system and the Florida aquifer. Falling Waters sink is lined with limestone and draped with curtains of lush ferns.
Falling water
I spy a rainbow in the mist
Underneath the park, over 400 feet of cave passages have been mapped. The vast Florida aquifer is an underground layer of permeable rock through which groundwater is contained and flows. Rainfall seeps into the earth and replenishes the aquifer, which is a main source of drinking water.
Mouth of Falling Waters Sink
Many varieties of fern, moss, and lichens grown here. I was delighted to see an abundance of Maiden hair fern growing within the sinkhole. Seeing and hearing the sound of falling water in such a cool, shady spot was a peaceful experience.
Maiden hair fern
A view looking up from the sinkhole
Ascending back up the stairs to the boardwalk, we continued around the sinkhole to the next vantage point which offered another view of the beautiful waterfall. Several oakleaf hydrangeas were blooming with lovely white bouquets. The waterfall provided a sparkling backdrop.
A last look at the waterfall
Oakleaf hydrangea
When the boardwalk ended, we walked a short distance along Wiregrass Trail and saw several small streams which eventually converge on their way towards the sink. It would have been nice to have continued walking the trail to the two-acre man-made Turtle Lake, but we wanted to arrive home before dark. I snapped a few more pictures on the way back to our car.
A Dr. Seuss-ish longleaf pine sapling
Tendrils from a vine
Now that I know there is a waterfall at Falling Waters State Park, I hope to enjoy its beauty again. I wonder what other sights we may discover along those long stretches of I-10?
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Debbie
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Debbie
