DeFuniak Springs is the county seat of Walton County, its historic residential district clustered around a perfectly round spring-fed lake exactly a mile in circumference.
The town came to life when the Florida Chautauqua Association held its first assembly here in February 1885, establishing one of the first grand cultural centers of the Southeast. It is home to Florida’s oldest continually operating library.
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Trails and Parks in DeFuniak Springs
Florida Trail, Alaqua - 12.8 miles. With significant botanical beauty, rugged climbs, and nice campsites, the Alaqua section of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base is one of the most scenic parts of the trail statewide.
Florida Trail, Eglin - 98.3 miles. One of the most compelling sections of the Florida Trail for backpackers, Eglin offers rugged elevation changes and crystalline waterways.
Florida Trail, Eglin East - 41.8 miles. Simultaneously rugged and scenic: that's the beauty of a backpacking trip across the Alaqua, Catface, and Titi sections of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base.
Florida Trail, Lafayette Creek - 9.3 miles. From a tricky traverse of the floodplain of Lafayette Creek to a roller-coaster of steep dips through wooded ravines, this scenic and surprisingly hilly section of the Florida Trail will give you a serious workout. 
Florida Trail, Nokuse - 27.7 miles. Spanning from the Choctawhatchee River west to the boundary of Eglin Air Force Base, Nokuse is a compelling backpacker's destination in the Florida Panhandle.
Lakewood Park - In northern Walton County, Lakewood Park hides an unexpected draw that attracts thousands of visitors each year: Britton Hill, Florida's high point at 345 feet.
Morrison Springs Park - Surrounded by a rim of old growth cypress, Morrison Springs is a beautiful swimming hole. It can also be enjoyed with a walk around the park or a paddle up the spring run.
Ponce De Leon Springs Nature Trails - Two short nature trails, the Sandy Creek Trail and the Spring Creek Trail, follow the confluence of waters at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park - In the quiet town of Ponce de Leon, the spring’s the thing. Chalky blue 68-degree water tempts swimmers in for a chilly dip in this first-magnitude spring, which gushes forth 14 million gallons of clean, clear water daily.
Vortex Spring - Pouring out 28 million gallons of water a day, the crystalline depths of Vortex Spring in Ponce De Leon have intrigued divers for more than forty years. But it's not just about diving: the privately-owned spring is a summer destination for family fun in the water.