This list has been updated as of 5/27/20.
There’s really no argument that waterfalls are one of Earth’s most captivating natural marvels. (Take Niagara and Yosemite, for example.)
And though some may say Florida is too flat to offer such water-themed wonders, we have a number of state parks that provide picturesque views + peaceful vibes that prove otherwise.
Enjoy this list of 7 unique waterfalls in Florida to help guide you on your next adventure. (And be thankful you reside in the sunshine state.) ☀️
(Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19, Florida State Parks have implemented measures to keep visitors and staff safe. Click here to find details on specific parks.)
Falling Waters State Park
🌊 Falling Waters Sinkhole at Falling Waters State Park | 130 State Park Rd, Chipley | 5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Height: 73 ft flowing into a sinkhole | Iconic as the largest waterfall in Florida, Falling Waters Sinkhole is estimated to be over 20 million years old. The water’s final destination has never been uncovered. Any guesses as to what lies at the bottom?
Hidden Waters Preserve
🌊 Hidden Waters Preserve | 2010 Abrams Rd, Eustis | 1.5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | One of Central Florida’s best kept secrets, these woods offer an aerial view of numerous sinkholes. When rain is abundant, water forcefully flows downward making a thunder-like cacophony.
Falling Creek Falls Park
🌊 Falling Creek Falls Park | 953 NW Falling Creek Rd, Lake City | 3 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Height: 12 feet over limestone | The boardwalk trail (stroller + wheelchair friendly) takes visitors to the small Rootbeer colored tannic waterfall. Fact: Native American artifacts dating back + remains of a former gristmill, a whiskey distillery + more were found during a 2007 archeological dig.
Rainbow Springs State Park
🌊 Rainbow Springs State Park | 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon | 2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Height: The biggest waterfall here is 60 ft | The fourth largest spring in Florida offers spectacular views of 4 man-made waterfalls, trails, lush patches of florals, and activities like camping, snorkeling + tubing.
Steinhatchee Falls
🌊 Steinhatchee Falls | Steinhatchee Falls, Steinhatchee | 3.5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Though not tall in height, this geological gem is actually the widest waterfall in Florida. Like most FL waterfalls, its beauty is determined by the volume of water flowing over the rocky bottom.
Torreya State Park - Weeping Ridge Trail
🌊 Torreya State Park - Weeping Ridge Trail | 5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | 2576 Northwest Torreya Park Road, Bristol | Height: 25 ft from the ridge | Located in one of the oldest state parks, with an extraordinarily rugged little nature trail, (thank you steep, inclined terrain) this water wonder is surrounded by Torreya trees. Make sure to be careful if there’s been rain, as the rocks leading up can be slippery.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
🌊 Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park | 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville | 2.5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Height: The sinkhole itself is 120 feet deep | A national landmark, this sloped limestone sinkhole gives park goers views of naturally created waterfalls + lush vegetation.
So far, my favorite visited spots are: Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Hidden Waters Preserve, and a secret waterfall near the Suwannee River my boyfriend and I like. Though this spot is staying a secret, here’s a hint to draw you to venture there on your own: It’s located in the same park as the largest whitewater rapids in Florida.
Have you bookmarked these ‘beauts to your #mustdo’s this year? It’s technically still January, so really it’s not too late to make your New Year’s resolutions, right?
- Kaylee
