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.
Here are the eight most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Florida, and where to find them.
Top 8 Waterfalls in Florida
Visiting Waterfalls in Florida
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. The rapids 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.
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. It is also just outside of the Osceola National Forest and Wildlife Management Area.
Falling Creek Falls
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, but this gentle cascade over majestically carved limestone offers a beautiful place to reflect or sit and have a snack. 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.
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. Those who find their way to this waterfall are somewhat likely to encounter creatures like tortoises and deer, and perhaps even wild hogs. 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 you’ll find the small but charming town of 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.
Devil’s Millhopper
At Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, the waterfalls are honestly not the star of the show. Rather, this attraction is a totally unique geological formation: a 120-foot deep cavity in the ground created by a series of limestone sinkhole collapses. These collapses are caused by the subterranean water flows which erode the natural limestone this area is made up of. Visitors can descend manmade steps deep into this one-of-a-kind hole in the ground, and along the way can view millions of years of exposed rock strata as well as the flowing waters.
Things to do near Devil’s Millhopper
The park is just north of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and thus a cultural and sports center for the entire state.There’s plenty more to see while you’re in the area, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs State Park is a sought-after destination for many reasons. Most 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 hidden gem, you’ll be treated to the sight of three beautiful tiered waterfalls. To be clear, the falls here are 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.
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 near plenty to see and do. For instance, there are lots of other wildernesses worth checking out while you’re here. These include Halpata Tastanaki Nature Preserve, Ross Prairie State Forest, and Potts Preserve.
Roji-en
Roji-en is another man-made waterfall. This one lies inside Delray Beach’s Morikami Japanese Gardens and it’s so skillfully made, you’d scarcely be able to tell it isn’t natural. 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.
The Best Florida Waterfalls for RVers
Falling Waters State Park
As its name suggests, Falling Waters State Park is home to a gorgeous waterfall, In fact, this fall is Florida’s tallest, standing some 73 feet tall and spreading across 20 feet of breadth. Offering a little bit of light hiking, this waterfall is accessed by a quick one-mile trail that sees only about 75 feet in elevation change. If you like, you can add on a few extra steps to get to the lower vantage point to see the full impressive height of the falls.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
Falling Waters State Park is home to a lovely onsite campground, making it easy to set up camp right in the middle of all the action.
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 cities. 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.
Weeping Ridge
Another gorgeous cascade tucked into the Florida panhandle, Weeping Ridge is found inside Torreya State Park. Short but fairly challenging, Weeping Ridge Trail 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.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
This is another state park with a lovely RV campground. Set up camp in the park and enjoy several days of exploring the area.
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.
Planning an RV Trip to Florida
RVing is the perfect way to see all of Florida’s waterfalls. While there, be sure to visit the best state parks and campgrounds. You’ll also want to check out Florida’s biggest and most-beloved cities, as well as Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
