Florida is a great state for nature lovers, featuring plenty of natural wonders and unique animals for people to enjoy.
And when it comes to waterfalls — that’s no exception.
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Visit Florida has provided its list of several waterfalls in the state that serve as “hidden gems” for those who are willing to make the effort to find them.
Many of these waterfalls can be found deep in state parks, along rough hiking trails, or down in steep sinkholes.
Read below for more details on each of these unique waterfalls:
FALLING WATERS FALLS — Chipley
Starting off this list is the Falling Waters Falls at the aptly named Falling Waters State Park.
This 74-foot-tall waterfall is the tallest in Florida, tucked away deep among the park’s trees. The water falls down into a wide, 100-foot-deep sinkhole below, which further tunnels into a small cave at the bottom.
However, visitors can get a good look at the waterfall from a platform located just a short distance from the rim of the sinkhole, giving guests a great view of the cascade.
You can take a virtual tour of the park by state officials by clicking in the video player below.
BIG SHOALS RAPIDS — White Springs
Heading to Big Shoals State Park, visitors can get a great look at some smaller waterfalls — the foaming Big Shoals Rapids in the Suwannee River.
The rapids rush through the limestone bluffs, which themselves tower around 80 feet above the river’s banks.
Visit Florida reports that experienced kayakers can likely make their way through the rapids, though novices are warned to steer clear.
Visitors can still get a look, though, if they’re willing to make the roughly mile-long hike to get there.
RAINBOW SPRINGS WATERFALLS — Dunnellon
The third waterfall on this list can be found in Rainbow Springs State Park, though these are a little different from the previous entries.
The Rainbow Springs Waterfalls are actually three manmade waterfalls, which used to be a “cheesy tourist attraction” that was set up to look like a jungle.
State officials report that the attraction operated until the mid-1970s, which is when Interstate 75 steered potential visitors away from the area and Walt Disney World dominated the theme park industry in Florida.
Years afterward, the property was taken over by the state, and guests can once again hike through the park to get a look at these marvels.
STEINHATCHEE FALLS — Steinhatchee
This entry is the widest waterfall in Florida, though its only a few feet from top to bottom.
Historically, the flat limestone shelf at the top of the falls once served as a crossing point for local Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and Civil War troops, with some well-worn wagon ruts being carved into the stones along the sides of the river.
DEVIL’S MILLHOPPER NATURE TRAIL — Gainesville
Next up is the Devil’s Millhopper State Park, where several waterfalls trickle into the sinkhole in the center of the park.
The hole dips over 100 feet down into a miniature rainforest, and a 132-step boardwalk allows guests to wander into its depths.
You may want to bring a jacket if you visit, though; the temperature plummets the lower you go into the sinkhole, which could be a nice feeling during the summer heat.
HIDDEN WATERS PRESERVE — Eustis
Located in Central Florida, the Hidden Waters Preserve is a 90-acre property that feeds into the immense Eichelberger Sinkhole.
A trail allows guests to descend into the sinkhole, walking along a roughly mile-long path with severe slopes before arriving at the reserve’s waterfall.
LAKE OSPREY TRAIL — Osprey
This trail can be found at Oscar Scherer State Park, and it curves around Lake Osprey toward a nearby waterfall.
The falls stem from an ancient artesian spring, splashing down the hillside into the lake below.
There’s a wheelchair-friendly path for those who need it, though different forks along the trail offer visitors different views of the spring.
FALLING CREEK FALLS — Lake City
This strange waterfall can be found along a short boardwalk trail on Falling Creek Road, with the property partially overseen by the Suwannee River Water Management District.
The water in the falls is root-beer colored, cascading down over 10 feet into a huge ravine before heading even further underground.
To get there, visitors can travel north along US-41, pass under Interstate 10, turn right on Northwest Falling Creek Road and then travel one mile. The park is on the right side just before crossing the creek.
WEEPING RIDGE TRAIL — Bristol
Stashed away near the local “Garden of Eden,” the Weeping Ridge Trail’s waterfall can be found in the Torreya State Park.
The trail leads a half-mile to the 25-foot-tall waterfall, though it can be difficult to navigate, sporting rugged, steep and slippery surfaces.
Aside from that, the park also offers great views looking over the Apalachicola River, and rare Torreya trees litter the forest after which the park was named.
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