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Falling Waters State Park + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

Falling Waters State Park is in Chipley, Florida.

Chipley is approximately 86 miles west of Tallahassee and 25 miles west of Florida Caverns State Park.

This Northwest Florida park is in Washington County. It is known for having Florida’s highest waterfall. 

We’re recommending some of the top places to visit near Falling Waters State Park, including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.

From delicious desserts to relaxing accommodations and nice boutiques, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this wild and serene Florida destination.

Falling Waters State Park

Small waterfall.
Source: Falling Waters State Park

Falling Waters State Park is a gorgeous park in the Florida Panhandle. Nature lovers enjoy this great place where they can see the varied landscape of North Florida.

This park has many unique features, from fern-covered sinkholes to a butterfly garden and a shady pine forest. 

Things to Do at Falling Waters State Park

Elevated Boardwalk at Falling Waters State Park.
Source: Florida State Parks

There are plenty of things to do at Falling Waters State Park. The most popular activity is walking on an elevated boardwalk known as the Sink Hole Trail.

The Sink Hole Trail takes visitors to the park’s main attraction: the highest waterfall in the Sunshine State.

There is an observation deck that gives visitors a great view of the water.

Check out Falling Waters Sink, a huge, 100-foot-deep pit that receives a small stream of water from the waterfall above it.

Falling Waters State Park Lake view

Stop by Turtle Lake, a two-acre park lake where visitors can swim.

There are short nature trails to hike in the park’s trail system. You can see huge trees and other beautiful native plants that belong to the surrounding area.

Falling Waters State Park Lakefront.
Source: Florida State Parks

A picnic area with picnic tables by a playground is a nice spot to eat a packed lunch while at the park.

Falling Waters State Park Camping

Falling Waters State Park Camping.
Source: Florida State Parks

Falling Waters State Park has full-facility campsites at Pine Ridge Campground for those who want to plan an overnight stay.

Pine Ridge Campground is situated on one of the highest hills in Florida. There are 24 campsites, electric hookups, a dump station, and a bathhouse with hot showers.

Falling Waters State Park Camping.
Source: Florida State Parks

There is a primitive campsite located near Turtle Lake that can be reserved for groups of up to 60 people, with a campfire circle and picnic tables. 

TIPS:

  • Falling Waters State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown. 
  • Park entrance fees are $5 per vehicle (up to eight people), $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers (as of July 2023).
  • Camping costs $18 per night plus tax and a $6.70 reservation fee. RVs are also charged a $7 utility fee per night.
  • Check at park kiosks or the ranger station to see if a park ranger is leading any programs during your visit. 

For more information, visit the official Falling Waters State Park page on the Florida State Parks website

Falling Waters State Park Address: 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428

Where to Eat Near Falling Waters State Park

Sister’s Sweets, Eats, and More

shop exterior.
Source: Sister’s Sweets, Eats, & More

Sister’s Sweets, Eats & More is a mom-daughter dessert bakery just under 4 miles from Falling Waters State Park.

The bakery is in the heart of downtown Chipley. It serves a full breakfast menu from opening until 10 am.

They also serve daily lunch specials such as salads and sandwiches, with options like peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheeses for kids. 

Sister's Sweets, Eats & More Chocolate Covered Strawberry  Cheesecake.

The shop is known for its delicious desserts, which include classic options like cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake, and sugar cookies.

Local favorites include peanut butter pie and apple pop tarts.

The bakery is always putting together new treats and a rotating menu, so there is always something new to try, whether it is your first, second, or third time visiting!

Sister's Sweets, Eats & More Chocolate Cake
Source: Sister’s Sweets, Eats, & More

TIPS:

  • Sister’s Sweets, Eats & More, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm and Friday from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm. 
  • Check out the bakery’s official Facebook page for daily lunch specials and sweets. 

For more information, visit the official Sister’s Sweets, Eats & More website

Sister’s Sweets, Eats & More Address: 827 Main St., Chipley, FL 32428

Additional Places to Eat Near Falling Waters State Park

  • Skins & Bubbas BBQ, 1458 Main St., Chipley, FL 32428
  • Outrigger’s Seafood and Grill, 1377 Brickyard Rd. #3b, Chipley, FL 32428
  • Crescent City Café, 761 FL-277, Chipley, FL 32428
  • Javier’s Mexican Grill, 1414 Main St., Chipley, FL 32428
  • BJ’s Grill, 1176 E Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428

Where to Stay Near Falling Waters State Park

Choctaw Lodge Bed and Breakfast Retreat

Chocktaw Lodge
Source: Choctaw Lodge

Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat is a gorgeous place to stay 40 miles from Falling Waters State Park.

The property has three different accommodation options: the Lodge, the Boat House, and the Guest House – each with its own distinctive atmosphere.

The retreat is located along the Choctawhatchee River and provides its guests with delicious food and fun activities.

Chocktaw Lodge Breakfast
Source: Choctaw Lodge

Breakfast includes an assortment of continental pastries, fresh fruit, and hot meal options like sweet potato pancakes, eggs benedict, and quiche.

Guests can also partake in afternoon tea and dessert, with tasty offers such as tea cakes or pecan pie. Picnic lunches can be provided for day trips. 

Choctaw Lodge
Source: Choctaw Lodge

Enjoy the peaceful Choctawhatchee River with canoes and kayaks available for guest use at no additional charge.

You can see many plants and animals native to the area on a trip down the river!

The property has walkways between its buildings, a large deck over the river, hammocks, swings, and picnic tables.

Guests can thoroughly embrace the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Choctaw Lodge
Souce: Choctaw Lodge

TIPS:

  • Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat is open daily. 
  • It is recommended that you book as far in advance as possible.
  • Breakfast is served from 7 am to 9 am in the main lodge.
  • Afternoon tea and desserts are served from 2 pm to 3 pm.
  • The kitchen is happy to accommodate special dietary needs.
  • Yoga and massages can be scheduled in advance. 
  • Pets are not allowed at the lodge.
Choctaw Lodge

For more information, visit the official Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat website

Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat Address: 781 Choctawhatchee River Rd, Bruce, FL 32455

Additional Places to Stay Near Falling Waters State Park

  • Compass Lake in the Hills, 645 Compass Lake Dr., Alford, FL 32420
  • Graceville Inn & RV Park, 4991 FL-77, Graceville, FL 32440
  • Rodeway Inn, 2004 S Waukesha St., Bonifay, FL 32425

Where to Shop Near Falling Waters State Park

Southern Roots and Co.

Southern Roots and Co.
Source: Southern Roots & Co.

Southern Roots & Co. is a boutique on Main Street in Chipley, just 3 miles from Falling Waters State Park. 

The family boutique sells a variety of clothes, home décor, gifts, and more – making it a great place to shop for souvenirs to remember your trip!

The clothing selection mainly caters to women, though men’s shirts and children’s clothes are also available. 

Southern Roots and Co.
Source: Southern Roots & Co.

There are a variety of scented, hand-poured soy candles for sale at Southern Roots & Co., with wonderful smelling options like Peach Cobbler, Lemon Verbena, and Blackberry Sage.

Make sure to stop in while you are exploring the area!

Southern Roots and Co
Source: Southern Roots & Co.

TIPS:

  • Southern Roots & Co. is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 
  • Product selections are updated frequently. Check out Southern Roots & Co.’s official Facebook page for the latest offerings.  

For more information, visit the official Southern Roots & Co. website

Southern Roots & Co. Address: 1067 Main St., Chipley, FL 32428

Additional Places to Shop Near Falling Waters State Park

  • Louis and Nash Mercantile, 829 Main St., Chipley, FL 32428
  • Sherry’s She Shed, Cook St., Bonifay, FL 32425
  • Emmie & Co., 1346 N Railroad Ave, Chipley, FL 32428

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