Experiences
Bird-watching is a big draw year-round at Falling Waters State Park with over 100 birds currently listed as viewed at the park.
Birding is a fun and inexpensive hobby enjoyed by all family members. All you need is a pair of sharp eyes and a good set of ears, and you are on your way to exploring the park looking for the many varieties of birds. A pair of binoculars, sunscreen, water and the proper birding clothing will make your birding experience even more enjoyable.
Falling Waters State Park is listed in the Great Florida Birding and Trail, an excellent source for more information on this park and birding.
Located on one of the highest hills in Florida, Pine Ridge Campground has the highest elevation in the state at 324 feet above sea level. Nestled among the longleaf pine and dogwoods are 24 campsites, each with a picnic table, water, 20/30/50 amp electric service, and a burn ring for a relaxing campfire at night. There is also a full-facility bathhouse and a dump station for your convenience.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Falling Waters State Park Campground Guide
A group camp is available near Turtle Lake. Amenities include a campfire circle, several picnic tables, fireside benches, and a restroom with toilets and sinks nearby at the swimming area.
- The group camp can accommodate up to 60 people.
- Call the park at 850-638-6130 for reservations.
You might not catch a record-setting bass but fishing is still fun at Falling Waters State Park. The two-acre lake at the park has plenty of great fishing spots and all you need is your gear and a Florida freshwater fishing license.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A Florida fishing license is required for any person over 16 years of age. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches.
Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.
There are three short nature trails that meander through Falling Waters State Park. These trails will take you around 100-foot-deep sinkholes, the tallest waterfall in Florida and many other points of interest.
In total there is about 1 mile of trail to hike but part of what makes these trails unique is the park's topography.
There are few parks in Florida that can rival Falling Waters State Park when it comes to hills, which can make hiking challenging for guests.
Falling Waters State Park has two pavilions that are well-suited for family reunions and other get-togethers. The facilities have electric and water and are located close to an accessible restroom for your convenience. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis or can be reserved for a fee.
- Call the office at 850-638-6130 for information and availability.
Falling Waters State Park has a two-acre freshwater lake with a white sand beach that offers park guests a cool place to escape the Florida heat.
The swimming area also has a shower to rinse, picnic tables, and a restroom where you can change into your swimming attire.
Falling Waters State Park provides a memorable venue for exchanging vows in a unique Florida setting. Over the years many couples have married on the waterfall overlook.
- There are no fees except for the regular park entrance of $5 per vehicle.
- The park does have reservable pavilions available for your reception needs.
- Please contact the ranger station at 850-638-6130 for information.
Falling Waters State Park is not only a great location to do a little birding, it is also a great place to see all the other animals that inhabit the Florida Panhandle, including deer, fox and the fox squirrel.
The park is also full of lizards, turtles and an occasional snake. All plants and animals are protected in the park for all generations to enjoy.
Amenities
Throughout the year, park rangers give interpretive programs on a wide variety of subject matter from snakes to longleaf pines. It also gives park guests the opportunity to ask question about Falling Waters State Park like, "Why is the waterfall just dripping?"
Look for information in park kiosks or inquire at the ranger station for time and locations of the programs.
The state of Florida is rich in sites of historical significance and Falling Waters State Park is no exception. At the park you'll see remnants of the first oil well ever drilled in Florida along with remnants of an 1860s grist mill.
An archaeological survey of the park turned up artifacts dating back over 5,000 years of ancient Native American civilizations.
Falling Waters State Park like all the parks in the Florida Park Service are pet-friendly. Pets must be kept on a 6-foot-long leash and be well behaved at all times.
The park also requests that you pick up your pet's droppings as a courtesy to other park guests and help with keeping this park as clean as possible.
Falling Waters State Park has two reservable pavilions in the picnic area. They are also conveniently located close to an accessible restroom facility. The pavilions are available first-come, first-served if not reserved.
- Please contact the ranger station at 850-638-6130 to check availability.
