When we talk about waterfalls in Florida, it is important to remember that this state is one of the flattest in the United States. Bearing that in mind, it is no surprise that there are very few natural waterfalls which could be considered impressive. Exceptions to this rule include the waterfall at Falling Waters State Park, which is a very respectable 73 feet tall, and the Weeping Ridge Falls in the mountainous Torreya State Park at 25ft high. However, this does not mean that there are no interesting smaller waterfalls to seek out – due to the limestone landscape, Florida is home to many sinkholes which do have beautiful waterfalls to admire after rainfall. In addition, there are a couple of very lovely man-made waterfalls dotted around to provide a soothing and cooling ambiance at the height of a hot Florida summer.
Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
Florida’s tallest and most impressive waterfall is located in the Falling Waters State Park. The waterfall occurs where a small stream drops dramatically over the edge of a rocky ledge and plummets 73 feet down into the Falling Waters Sinkhole. The sinkhole is at least 100 feet deep and 20 feet in diameter, carved out through centuries of water movement. The waterfall is surrounded by huge trees and other smaller, fern-covered sinkholes. Besides admiring the waterfall, visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, picnicking and hiking or visiting the Butterfly Farm. Should you wish to stay overnight you can bring your tent or RV to the park’s campground.
Falling Waters State Park, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, Phone: 850-638-6130
Falling Creek Falls, Lake City
If you are looking for a great place to go for a scenic walk near Lake City, Falling Creek Falls is an ideal destination. The little-know waterfall is easily accessible via a pleasant boardwalk which you can easily reach by taking a short detour off the I-10. The 10-foot high waterfall drops over a limestone ridge into a ravine. Although the waterfall is not all that large, it is quite unique in that the water it is a beautiful amber color. The stream which feeds the waterfall contains natural tannins from the surrounding vegetation, which causes the unusual color. The surrounding area is a very pleasant and relaxing place to go walking and hiking or to simply relax for a while and appreciate the bounty of nature.
Falling Creek Falls, 953 Northwest Falling Creek Rd, Lake City, FL 32055, Phone: 386-719-7545
Devil’s Millhopper, Gainesville
Devil’s Millhopper is not, strictly speaking, a waterfall. However, we have included it here because this amazing and geologically significant sinkhole becomes filled with mini-waterfalls after rain. The Devil’s Millhopper is 120-foot deep bowl-shaped cavity which was formed in the Florida Limestone after centuries of water movement. Today the sink is home to a natural miniature rain forest. You can descend to the bottom via a wooden boardwalk. Locals will tell you that the best time to visit is after there has been substantial rain; then you will be able to admire many tumbling waterfalls. The area around the sink is great for walking and hiking.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653, Phone: 352-955-2008
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
The Rainbow Springs State Park is located about 41 miles north of Dunnellon where it is home to the source of the Rainbow River. The source spring is one of the largest in Florida and has been used by visiting humans for over 10,000 years. Today the park provides a huge recreation area for nature lovers, swimmers, paddlers and anglers. As you explore the pretty walking trails you will come across 3 separate waterfalls; although these are man-made, the surrounding vegetation has been carefully chosen to replicate natural waterfalls – they are very pretty and relaxing to watch. There is a large natural swimming hole at the spring and rental floats are available for exploring the river. There is also a large serviced campground.
Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432, Phone: 352-465-8555
Weeping Ridge, Torreya State Park
The Torreya State Park is an extremely scenic natural area covered by verdant forests, high plateaus, deep ravines and towering bluffs. Such a landscape naturally lends itself to the formation of natural waterfalls such as the Weeping Ridge. To find this natural wonder you will need to pull on your hiking boots and set off along the Weeping Ridge Trail. The trail is a 1-mile circuit trail, considered to be moderately strenuous. However, you will be amply rewarded for you efforts when you reach the lovely 25-foot waterfall which tumbles over a lofty ridge. You will find the trailhead close to the campground parking area.
Weeping Ridge, Torreya State Park, 2476 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321,
Steinhatchee Falls, Steinhatchee
Located in southeastern Taylor County, the Steinhatchee Falls are the widest waterfalls in Florida and are also both geologically and historically significant. The falls were formed by the action of the flowing waters of the river, which carry significant natural tannins which have leeched into the river from the surrounding vegetation. These tannins gradually erode the limestone to form natural waterfalls. Steinhatchee Falls are most unusual in that they are very shallow – just a few feet in height – and sometimes they disappear altogether when the river is carrying high volumes of water. You should plan your visit to coincide with a dry spell, when the river level is low and the falls can easily been seen.
Steinhatchee Falls, Steinhatchee, FL 32359
Morikami Japanese Gardens Waterfall, Delray Beach
Forming an important and beautiful focal point in the tranquil Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, the Morikami Waterfall never fails to impress visitors. Although the waterfall is man-made, every attempt has been made to mimic nature and the result is both calming and uplifting. The waterfall forms the source of a lovely lake around which an intriguing shinden-style Japanese garden has been created. The garden is called Roji-an, the Garden of the Drops of Dew, inspired by some of Japan’s most impressive gardens. Visitors are invited to visit this very interesting center for Japanese arts and culture and to spend some time admiring the waterfalls and gardens.
Morikami Japanese Gardens Waterfall, 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, Phone: 561-495-0233
Eichelberger Sink, Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis
The Hidden Waters Preserve is home to several sinkholes, the most prominent of which is the Eichelberger Sink which is over 100 feet deep. If you were to visit during a dry spell you may well wonder what has happened to the waterfalls. However, after some rain the sink is transformed into a hiker’s delight. As you descend down into the sink you will be able to hear and see water gushing down into the sink from surrounding rocky funnels, in a series of completely natural “waterfalls”. At the base of the sink you will find Lake Alfred, a completely natural sink lake fed entirely by these rainy-season waterfalls.
Eichelberger Sink, Hidden Waters Preserve, 2010 Abrams Rd, Eustis, FL 32726, Phone: 352-324-6141
Disappearing Creek at Camp Branch, White Springs
Although Disappearing Creek is not a waterfall in the true sense of the word we thought we would include it for interest sake; it’s not often that you see a phenomenon like this. The karst topography in this part of Florida is quite unique, composed of numerous underground drainage systems, sinkholes and caves, caused by thousands of years of limestone dissolution by the slightly acidic waters of the river. At Camp Branch you can follow a trail alongside the deep ravine to a point where the creek simply drops from sight into a deep sinkhole. The hike is steep and could be dangerous for less sure-footed hikers.
Disappearing Creek, Camp Branch, White Springs, FL 32096
