Falling Waters Sink

Falling Waters State Park


Useful Information

Location: 1130 State Park Road, Chipley FL 32428.
5.5 km south of Chipley, north of Panama City. From Chipley State Road 77, turn left on State Park Road to the park entrance. I-10, Chipley Exit south on State Road 77 and follow signs to the park.
(30.727639, -85.529557)
Open: All year daily 8-sundown.
[2023]
Fee: Cars USD 5, Bicyclists USD 2, Pedestrians USD 2.
[2023]
Classification: KarstPonor KarstDoline
Light: n/a
Dimension: D=6.5 m, VR=35 m.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Falling Waters State Park, 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, Florida 32428, Tel: +1-850-638-6130.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

One of the geologic highlights of Florida, at least concerning karst features, is definitely the Falling Waters Sink. A 35 m deep and 6.5 m wide cylindrical pothole is the entrance to a cave system. The small stream flowing into this pothole forms a waterfall which is 22 m high, and Florida's highest waterfall. This is a typical sink, but still in this size and so easy to access it is very special. The sink was namesake to Falling Waters State Park. Don't be disappointed, the stream is rather small, and the waterfall is therefore not spectacular, especially in dry times. It's a good idea to go after rainfalls. And the vertical walls of the pothole are quite spectacular, there is a platform which allows a marvelous view.

The park offers three short nature trails, self-guided tours and information kiosks throughout the park. One trail goes past the butterfly garden to the waterfall sinkhole and down into the sinkhole, offering a breathtaking view of the waterfall. There is also an elevated boardwalk around a series of sinkholes, below southern magnolias and other hardwoods. Tours guided by a Park Ranger are available for groups after prior arrangement.