10 Hiking Trails in Florida With Waterfalls to Explore

If you enjoy surfing, kayaking, or just being in nature, Florida might become your favorite destination in the country. Many of the state’s white springs and hiking trails display incredible and diverse wildlife. Even pros rarely tire of the many features.

Are you looking for a different way to enjoy nature? Try one of the hiking trails in Florida with waterfalls.

They combine extreme beauty with tranquility. When you think about waterfalls, Florida might not be the first spot that comes to mind.  However, with waterfalls formed from depressions created by sinkholes and cavities, Florida hosts many of the finest in the United States within its flattest terrain.

So, are you looking for the best hiking trails in Florida with waterfalls? Well, you are in the right place. Here are ten of the best hiking trails with waterfalls. But go during the rainy season for the best results.

1.   Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville is Florida’s most unique geological and archaeological site. A beautiful hiking trail with a wooden boardwalk locates here, surrounded by a stunning landscape. You’ll see a sequence of natural waterfalls trickling down the ancient limestone walls as you take in the enormity of this sinkhole.

This Natural Park has a lake that forms at the bottom-fed by 12 springs, making a rare collection of Florida waterfalls you won’t find anywhere outside. It’s peaceful and teeming with plant and animal life and sometimes referred to as a miniature rainforest!  

2.   Falling Creek Falls

Falling Creek Falls is among Florida’s most accessible natural waterfalls. However, one of Florida’s most notable features is its large amount of limestone. This kind of rock is also found in most of Florida’s waterfalls. The falls at Falling Creek are no exception. The waterfall, which cascades over a limestone cliff and onto limestone boulders, is just over 10 feet tall.

In addition, Falling Creek Falls has a few other exciting features. Be sure to look at the bottom of the waterfall if you return after it has rained. Rain often causes bubbles in this region, which adhere to the limestone below. It resembles a vast natural bubble bath.

3.   Big Shoals State Park

The largest whitewater rapids in Florida find in Big Shoals State Park, with 28 miles of thrilling views found nowhere else in the state. Though not a waterfall, Big Shoals features 80-foot limestone bluffs that rise above the Suwannee River, providing spectacular views of the park—most people like taking their canoe or kayak down the rapids for an adrenaline rush. But on the other hand, those with any previous whitewater trekking experience can only attempt this activity.    

4.   Falling Waters State Park

The two-mile hike in Florida’s Falling Waters State Park leads to the state’s highest waterfall, with water falling 70 feet. Following the boardwalk will lead you to an observation platform gaze down on the 20-foot-wide sinkhole. The park is a beautiful spot to visit if you want to see other tiny sinkholes surrounded by dense grass, ferns, and massive trees.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Falling Water Falls is that you can sense the water’s mist! If you like camping, you can spend the night at the state park’s campsite. Falling Waters has a vast lake with a beautiful white sand beach that is ideally safe for swimming.    

5.   Rainbow Springs State Park

The Rainbow Springs waterfall was constructed in the 1930s and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. Rainbow Springs’ three artificial waterfalls are undoubtedly a big draw for tourists. In addition, the many trails that loop across the area have great views of the waterfalls.

The environment is green, with magnificent oak, magnolia trees, and crystal clear rivers. Swimming, tubing, and hiking are among the activities open to tourists. Overall, it’s a perfect spot for campers and a popular family destination.    

6.   Steinhatchee Waterfall

Steinhatchee, Florida’s widest waterfall, is a lovely location that is both historically significant and a geological treasure. It isn’t the world’s biggest waterfall, but it locates in a natural setting of mixed hardwood forests. Since this area is all marsh and woodland, it’s one of the best Florida waterfalls for hiking and having your wilderness experience.    

7.   Weeping Ridge Trail

The flat terrain is one of Florida’s most notable characteristics. It is one of Florida’s most exciting waterfalls because it locates in a state park with a 3,000-foot elevation. The easiest way to get to the waterfall is to hike along the Weeping Ridge Trail. You can pay a nominal camping fee to stay the night in the natural surroundings if you plan many backpacking. The animals and plants you’ll see here are incredibly diverse,  and unique to the province. When you visit in late spring, watch for some stunning magnolia blossoms.  

8.   Hidden Waters Preserve

Trekkers will enjoy a selection of excellent trails in the preserve. Aerial photography of the region reveals several sinkholes, the biggest of which is the Eichelberger Sink. The landscape is fascinating, with many cliffs and erosion making funnels into the sinkholes. The water can be a trickle in dry weather. However, when the weather is warm, water spills down the ravine fascinate with intensity, creating a booming echo.

9.   Morikami Japanese Gardens

West of Delray Beach is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. It is a cultural, historical, and artistic hub for Japan. This authentic Japanese greenhouse, surrounded by Florida’s most exclusive and spectacular parks, is like some one-way trip to Asia.

10. Disappearing Creek

Due to limestone collapse, the region has stunning caves, sinkholes, and cliffs, ensuring a breathtaking view. Camping permits along with the Loop’s connection to the Florida Trail. You clearly know what happens to Camp Branch as the track descends to the lip of the major swallet sinkhole. That is why it’s called Disappearing Creek.

Video Credit: @rei

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