Falling Waters State Park, State park with waterfall in Washington County, Florida.
Falling Waters State Park is a natural preserve in northwestern Florida home to the state's tallest waterfall. Water cascades roughly 73 feet into a deep limestone sinkhole that was carved into the landscape over time.
Florida's first oil well was drilled here in 1919 before being sealed shut. The failed business venture left the land, which later developed into a protected park.
The waterfall drew Native Americans to the sinkhole long before Europeans arrived; a 2007 University of West Florida dig found pottery, arrowheads and what may be Florida's only cave painting, between 1,000 and 1,500 years old. The same sinkholes served as a hideout for warriors fighting Andrew Jackson in the Seminole Wars.
The grounds have walking and viewing trails that lead to the waterfall and around the sinkholes. Picnic areas and a lake for swimming make it easy to spend a full day here.
The 2007 University of West Florida dig found pottery, arrowheads and what may be Florida's only cave painting, 1,000 to 1,500 years old. Archaeologists noted that the waterfall drew Native Americans to the site just as it draws visitors today. Remnants of the gristmill, distillery and oil well were also uncovered.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,722 contributors worldwide.
