Falling Waters State Park

Home to Florida’s highest waterfall, Falling Waters State Park makes for a nice several-hour-long visit. Explore the sinkholes, waterfalls, lake and surrounding uplands via the Wiregrass and Sinkhole trails and boardwalks. Watch for Red-headed Woodpeckers, Bachman’s Sparrows, Brown-headed Nuthatches and Summer Tanagers in the uplands (the areas near the parking lot and campground are excellent). Migrant songbirds like Gray-cheeked Thrush and Ovenbird seek shelter in the leafy understory and Eastern Wood-pewees and Blue Grosbeaks perch in roadside trees. As always when in the Florida Panhandle, northern species like Dark-eyed Juncos and Pine Siskins are possible in winter. Fox Squirrels and Gopher Tortoises are seen regularly, especially along the side of the park road, so drive carefully. Check for Green Herons at the lake edge; Gray Catbirds and Brown Thrashers are common in the lakeside shrubs. There is a butterfly garden at the start of the paved trail that leads to the waterfall. Take a seat and watch for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the spring and zebra swallowtails in the summer.