From the tropical bursts of color at Fairchild to the vast sunflower fields of The Berry Farm, Miami is home to plenty of blooms. But if you’re on the hunt for a unique nature getaway perfect for this time of year, you don’t need to book a flight out of state! Just pack up your car and head north toward the Panhandle.
Tucked away in the small community of Chipley, Florida is Falling Waters State Park, a quiet oasis that offers a different experience from your typical swamp or wetland. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildflowers, as it was just named one of the best in the country to see spring blooms!
Falling Waters State Park ranked #4 in the U.S. for spring flowers
A recent study by Spinblitz ranked the top five must-visit spring flower spots in the U.S., based on factors like vibrancy, popularity, reviews and picture-worthiness. Beating out hundreds of botanical gardens and national parks, Falling Waters State Park secured the No. 4 spot on the list, proving that our natural beauty goes far beyond the coastline.
This 171-acre park is highly rated by visitors with a 4.7 out of 5 on Google and is notable for native blooms like bright black-eyed Susans, golden coreopsis, purple coneflowers and Queen Anne’s lace.
Its centerpiece is a 73-foot-tall waterfall, which is actually the tallest in Florida! A small stream flows into a 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide cylindrical pit known as the “Falling Waters Sink.” A dedicated butterfly garden can also be seen near the waterfall trail, which attracts native pollinators as they flutter through the colorful landscape.
Top 5 flower spots, according to the study
Spinblitz says the best spots for flower tourism in the U.S. are the following:
- Crested Butte, Colorado
- Catalina State Park, Arizona
- Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, Texas
- Falling Waters State Park, Florida
- Willow Creek Trail, Colorado
Plan your visit and learn more about Falling Waters on the park’s official website.
