Friday, April 17, 2009

Falling Waters State Park - Chipley, Florida


The heavy rains and spring flooding have caused problems for a number of Florida State Parks this year, but for at least one, a rainy spring makes its main feature even more spectacular.

Falling Waters State Park, just off Interstate 10 near Chipley, is home to Florida's tallest waterfall. Over 70 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the most unique in the nation because it is created by a small stream that flows over the rim of a deep cylindrical sink.

A beautiful nature trail winds through an area of unique sinks and caves to a wooden staircase that leads down to a viewing platform in the sink. While the waterfall is barely more than a trickle during dry months, it roars with surprising intensity when a lot of rain has fallen in recent days.

In addition to the waterfall, Falling Waters State Park is the site of a number of other historic sites. Among them are the remains of one of Florida's first commercial attempts to find oil. An oil well was dug in what is now the park in 1919. Visitors can also learn about a watermill and legal whiskey still that operated in the park at various times.

Falling Waters also has beautiful picnic areas, camping, a small lake, swimming beach and hiking trails. To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/fallingwaters1.

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