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.
Table of Contents
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & 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.
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!
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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