The Tallest Waterfall in Florida isn’t just any waterfall, it’s a top-notch waterfall. If you’re looking to hit the high places, then look no further than Florida’s highest waterfall.
The Tallest Waterfall in Florida is located in Falling Waters State Park. You’ll find this beautiful waterfall has a peak elevation of 345 feet, the 73-foot waterfall near Chipley is a geological wonder!
Read on to know more about this waterfall and what makes it a top-notch destination for travelers as well as some of the other tallest waterfalls in Florida.
Falling Waters State Park
When you think of waterfalls, many envision a big mountain with 300-feet waterfalls cascading down ravines and gulleys but did you know that even as low and flat as the sunshine state is, there are waterfalls like the 73-feet waterfall in Falling Water State Park?
This waterfall falls into a 100-feet deep, 20-feet wide sinkhole and is quite mesmerizing.
Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the waterfall and sinkhole from several boardwalks and viewing sites or even take a walk in the butterfly garden.
While visiting, you can also go swimming or just enjoy the tropical feel the park offers.
Moreover, the park has 24 roomy campsites situated in a pine forest 324 feet above sea level with restroom and shower facilities for a comfortable stay.
There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle (2-8 people), $4 for a 1-person vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
To visit Falling Waters State Park, follow County Road 77A (Falling Waters Road) south for 2.4 Miles.
The park is just 3 miles south of Chipley, Florida.
The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am to sundown.
1. Falling Creek Falls
Don’t let the lack of elevation in Florida fool you. Florida has several waterfalls like Falling Creek Falls.
This waterfall is located in Lake City on 953 NW Falling Creek Road and is a great spot to step away from the commotion of the city.
There are several historical buildings on site.
Falling Creek was once a town and not just a waterfall.
Here, a boardwalk trail guides you to the 12-feet waterfall.
A trip to the waterfalls is perfect for a family where you can enjoy a picnic, and the kids can run around on the playground.
If you’re looking to hike, you can hike the nature trail that takes you through the forest with bald cypress, magnolia, and sweetgum trees before leading you to a spectacular view of the waterfall.
Though the trail is rocky, there are plenty of handrails the entire way.
Many choose to swim in the pool at the base or just rest on the large rocks surrounding the fall.
Some bring their canoes and kayaks, and some are available for rent at the park.
A visit to the falls is free.
When Disney’s live adaptation of The Jungle Book and Power Rangers chooses you for a filming backdrop, you’re the definition of Florida fantastic.
2. Big Shoals State Park
If you’re into serious whitewater rafting, this is the spot for you!
Big Shoals State Park has the largest whitewater rapids in Florida and has a class III rating. The park is found on 11330 SE Co Road in White Springs, Florida.
The park is open all year round from 8 am until sunset. Visitors can kayak or canoe at the park.
However, you’ll need to be aware of the water level since the canoe and kayak launches are closed when the level is above 62 feet.
What if you’re not a fan of water?
No need to worry since bluffs are towering 80 feet above the river below, from which you can observe all the water festivities.
You can grab your gear, bicycles, or even horses and experience beautiful forest trails.
If you’re looking for a challenge, the longest route, the Mossy Ravine, and Woodpecker Loop is estimated to be 10.2 miles long and takes on average 3 hours to hike.
Also, pets are allowed in the park on 6 feet leashes at all times.
You can rest at nearby hotels such as:
- Suwannee Valley Resort, only 3.56 miles away
- White Springs Bed and Breakfast, 3.31 miles away
Fat Belly’s Grill and Bar and Southern Cravin’s are some restaurants to dine at after an exciting day at the park.
3. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
The Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park falls are another example of Florida’s many sinkholes.
At 4732 Millhopper Road in Gainesville, Florida, the 120-feet waterfall consists of several mini-falls falling down the steep walls.
What makes the sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper unique is that you can see the layers of rocks that were formed over time.
The park is home to many plants and has a tropical atmosphere.
The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm all year round. The entry fee is $4 per vehicle with up to 8 passengers and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Most of the time, there isn’t any water in the sinkhole. Instead, it’s more of a miniature rainforest ecosystem.
Sometimes, though, it becomes a small lake.
Visitors take a steep 132-step staircase to the bottom of this 500-feet wide, 120-feet deep sinkhole.
Locals believed animals met at the bottom of the sinkhole with the devil, hence the name.
When the base is dry, the interior tends to be much more relaxed than the surrounding forests. Dogs on hand-held 6-foot leashes are welcome.
4. Rainbow Spring State Park
Visiting this waterfall takes a walk back in history as it dates back over 10,000 years ago.
Found at 19158 SW 81st PI Road, the Rainbow Spring is one of Florida’s largest springs, pumping out more than 400 million gallons of water daily.
You can swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel canoe, or kayak. Sometimes, you can even catch a glimpse of a turtle.
The park is open from 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year. There is no parking fee; however, there is a $2 State Park Admission Fee per person.
The entrance fee is free for children under six years.
There are alligators around at times but not in the swimming area.
If you kayak down the river, you are likely to see one.
The park is a great birding area and is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife trail with various species like woodpeckers, wading birds, hawks, songbirds, and owls.
Fishing is allowed at the campgrounds for registered campers only but is prohibited at the headsprings day-use area because it is an aquatic preserve.
As a registered camper, you can bring your tube and launch it.
If you’d like to get your tube, it should be less than 60 inches in diameter.
In Conclusion
The Tallest Waterfall in Florida is a beautiful waterfall that’s located in the state park of Falling Waters State Park.
It’s also one of the highest waterfalls in Florida, and it’s a top-notch destination for travelers as well as other tall waterfalls like Big Shoals State Park.
The waterfall at Rainbow Spring is another example of Florida’s many sinkholes.
But if you’re looking for a challenge, you can hike the longest route, Mossy Ravine, and Woodpecker Loop, which takes 3 hours to hike or swim.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of places to go tubing or kayaking.
It’s not just any waterfall, it’s a top-notch waterfall. If you’re looking to hit the high places, then look no further than Florida’s highest waterfall.
