Think Florida, a state perhaps known best for its flat landscape (and sunshine), is bereft of waterfalls?
Think again. Thanks to the vast system of cool springs, lakes and rivers that flow through the wooded center of this state, there are some gorgeous waterfalls to see in Florida, if only you know where to look. Fortunately, we’ve gathered that information for you! Here are the eight most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Florida, and where to find them.
Top 8 Waterfalls in Florida
1. Falling Water
2. Weeping Ridge
3. Big Shoals State Park
4. Falling Creek Falls
5. Steinhatchee Falls
6. Devil’s Millhopper
7. Rainbow Springs
8. Roji-en
Visiting Waterfalls in Florida
So how do you get to these fantastic hidden Florida waterfalls? Read on to find out!
1. Falling Waters State Park
As its name suggests, Falling Waters State Park is home to a gorgeous waterfall — and also, in fact, Florida’s tallest, standing some 73 feet tall and spreading across 20 feet of breadth as it tumbles into the tumultuous waters below. Offering a little bit of light hiking to those in the mood to stretch their legs, this waterfall is accessed by a quick one-mile trail that sees only about 75 feet in elevation change, though you may add on a few extra steps to get to the lower vantage point to see the full impressive height of the falls. Developed restrooms are available on-site, and camping is also available within the state park, which is central to plenty of other Florida panhandle attractions, and only a few miles from the Alabama border.
Things to do near Falling Waters State Park: About an hour and fifteen minutes west of Tallahassee and an hour and a half east of Pensacola, Falling Waters State Park is easily accessible from a wide variety of Florida metropoles, not to mention the smaller communities in between. It’s also in the midst of multiple preserved wildernesses, such as the Econfina Creek Water Management Area and the Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek Water Management Area; here are some local RVshare rentals so you can stay and play a while.
2. Weeping Ridge
Another gorgeous cascade tucked into the Florida panhandle, Weeping Ridge is found inside Torreya State Park, a preserve perhaps best-known for its haunting plantation homes, well-manicured green spaces, bird-watching and rare trees. However, it’s also home to the small but fascinating waterfall known as Weeping Ridge — which does, indeed, look like part of the ground rose up out of the landscape around it and began to cry. Short but fairly challenging, Weeping Ridge Trail is accessible directly from the state park campground, and crosses multiple ridges before ending at this small, unique waterfall. There are other interesting geological formations to check out while you’re in the park, too, like Bluff Rock which is along the Apalachicola River.
Things to do near Weeping Ridge: Torreya State Park is only an hour outside of Tallahassee, making it a popular getaway among the college students and faculty that call the state’s capital city home. It’s also just north of the vast Apalachicola National Forest, which offers plenty more opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and spring swimming. Here are some RVshare rentals in the area to consider for a nice, long stay.
3. Big Shoals State Park
We’ll be honest: this one isn’t your typical waterfall view. Instead, Big Shoals State Park is home to the largest, fastest whitewater rapids in the state of Florida, which are surrounded by impressive 80-foot-tall limestone bluffs, giving you an incredible view of the quickly-moving water. It’s kind of like a reverse waterfall: you go to the top of the rocks and look down on the cascading water, rather than climbing down to the foot of an impressive vertical fall! No matter what kind of view you’re seeking, Big Shoals State Park’s 28 miles of hiking trails are sure to leave you feeling satisfied, and those who know their way around rapids will be excited to take to the waters on a whitewater canoe or kayak.
Things to do near Big Shoals State Park: About 15 minutes north of Lake City, where I-75 meets I-10, Big Shoals State Park is readily accessible to a wide range of both Florida residents and travelers, and is also just outside of the Osceola National Forest and Wildlife Management Area. Here are some area RVshare rentals to consider for your trip.
4. Falling Creek Falls
Another Florida waterfall with a perfectly descriptive name, Falling Creek Falls is tucked into a small park just north of Lake City, and is one of the most classic waterfall experiences you can have in the Sunshine State. Its drop may only be about 12 feet tall, but this gentle cascade over majestically carved limestone offers a beautiful place to reflect or sit and have a snack, and it’s accessible by a loop trail that’s only half a mile long and almost perfectly flat, making it fairly accessible for a wide range of different hikers and explorers.
Things to do near Falling Creek Falls: This time only seven minutes from Lake City, Falling Creek Falls shares many of the same area attractions as Big Shoals State Park — and, in fact, it would be easy to see both of these Florida cascades in a single day. That said, the nature surrounding them is beautiful enough you’ll likely want to stay longer; here are some local RVshare rentals so you can kick back and relax in style.
5. Steinhatchee Falls
A short but sweet waterfall along the Steinhatchee River, Steinhatchee Falls is situated in a remote part of the larger Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area — which means it’s a great place to get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife. Those who find their way to this waterfall — which doesn’t require too much hiking, but is fairly far from the beaten path of urban Florida — are somewhat likely to encounter creatures like tortoises and deer, and perhaps even wild hogs (though do be careful of them, if you happen to see them!). A ladder leads down into the water for those who want to swim in these relatively gentle waters, and the characteristic oak canopy creates some lovely shade so you can sit back and enjoy a picnic.
Things to do near Steinhatchee Falls: Only a short way away from these falls, the Steinhatchee River makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico, a juncture marked by the small but charming town of — you guessed it — Steinhatchee. This part of the state is also home to the Tide Swamp Wildlife Management Area and other small Gulf Coast towns like Fish Creek. Here are some local RVshare rentals, which make a great way to see it all no matter how long you decide to stay.
6. Devil’s Millhopper
At Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, the waterfalls, impressive though they are, are honestly not the star of the show. Rather, this attraction is a totally unique, only-in-central Florida kind of geological formation: a 120-foot deep cavity in the ground created by a series of limestone sinkhole collapses, fueled by the subterranean water flows which, over time, erode the natural limestone this area is made up of. Visitors can descend manmade steps deeper and deeper into this one-of-a-kind hole in the ground, and along the way can view millions of years of exposed rock strata. The park also offers an oasis for local flora and fauna to thrive, making it a popular spot for bird-watchers and amateur ecologists, too.
Things to do near Devil’s Millhopper: Just north of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and thus a cultural and sports center for the entire state, the Devil’s Millhopper is often well-populated by students on the weekends, but offers Florida residents and visitors of all stripes a unique look into the landscape of central Florida — so different from the white sand beaches so many consider synonymous with the state. There’s plenty more to see while you’re in the area, so check out these local RVshare rentals and Gainesville-area RV parks to stay in!
7. Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs State Park is a sought-after destination for many reasons — notably, it’s a place you can go swimming with manatees, if you show up at the right time during the spring! But no matter when you head to this Dunnellon-area hidden gem, you’ll be treated to the sight of three beautiful tiered waterfalls. To be clear, they’re man-made — but they were constructed back in the 1930s, so if anything, they’re a historic attraction as well as a sheerly beautiful one (and their hand-constructed history makes them no less gorgeous to look at!). Along with multiple access points for swimming, canoeing, tubing and other water sports, Rainbow Springs State Park offers plenty of trails to walk and run on, as well as picnic areas and restroom facilities. You can even rent tubes right there on-site if you’re interested in a lazy float down the river, a classic Florida summer pastime.
Things to do near Rainbow Springs: Only a quick five-minute drive from the heart of Dunnellon, and a mere 20 minutes from Ocala, Rainbow Springs is the kind of central Florida attraction that will make you feel as if you really have a sense of this unique, often overlooked landscape. There are plenty of other wildernesses worth checking out while you’re here: Halpata Tastanaki Nature Preserve, Ross Prairie State Forest, and Potts Preserve all offer plenty of unique hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider, and Ocala-area RV campgrounds to put on your list!
8. Roji-en
Not many people know the name of the cascade — another man-made waterfall — that lies inside Delray Beach’s Morikami Japanese Gardens. But the centerpiece of this breathtaking south Florida gardens is Roji-en, which translates to gardens of the drops of dew — and it’s so skillfully made, you’d scarcely be able to tell it isn’t natural if no one had already told you. Meander quietly along the groves of bamboo and other Japanese foliage that have been planted in this beautiful garden, and be sure to stop into the attached museum to see some gorgeous Asian art it’s impossible to find anywhere else.
Things to do near Roji-en: Just outside of the city of West Palm Beach, Delray Beach — and really all of the surrounding south Florida cities — are chock-full of restaurants, museums, shopping opportunities, and more… and, of course, it’s all bordered by beautiful beachfront. Here are some local RVshare rentals and campgrounds to consider!
Planning an RV Trip to Florida
While it may not have the largest number of waterfalls in the Union — or, of course, the largest waterfalls themselves — Florida is a truly unique landscape with so very much to offer, especially for water-lovers of all stripes. From beaches to springs and everything in between, an RV trip is a great way to see Florida mile by mile.
We’ve got all the information and resources you need to create a one-of-a-kind Florida vacation, from the best peer-to-peer RV rentals in the sunshine state to lists of the best state parks and campgrounds to take them to and stay in. We’ve also penned guides to Florida’s biggest and most-beloved cities, as well as Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Now get out there and enjoy the shining sun and falling waters!
