See one of Florida’s fabulous but little known waterfalls north of Interstate 10 at Lake City.
Varying in volume depending on recent rains, the spectacular root-beer-colored cascade plummets nearly twelve feet over a deep lip of limestone.
Falling Creek FallsFalling Creek then flows away over limestone boulders at the bottom of a ravine.
A short accessible boardwalk provides easy access to the scenic view, while a footpath loops upstream and through woods where the first settlement in this region once stood.
Falling Creek upstream from the fallsResources
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Overview
Location: Lake City
Length: 0.6 mile loop with spur
Fees: Free
Restroom: At the trailhead
Land Manager: Suwannee River Water Management District
Phone: 386-362-1001
Dogs are not permitted. There are restrooms, picnic tables and a playground at the trailhead.
Directions
From Interstate 10 exit 301 drive north on US 41; immediately turn right on Falling Creek Rd (CR 131) and drive 0.8 mile to the trailhead parking area on the right.
Hike
It’s a short stroll from the trailhead on a sidewalk through an open meadow past historic structures from the original settlement of Falling Creek.
The sidewalk meets a boardwalk to enter the lush woods surrounding Falling Creek, a tributary of the Suwannee River.
Picnic area on the historic siteThe well-built boardwalk winds through a bluff forest of bald cypress, sweetgum, and magnolia.
Pass a side boardwalk to the right and keep going straight, following the curve of the path through the woods.
Boardwalk to the fallsYou hear the falls well before you see them, the path now paralleling Falling Creek.
At not quite a quarter mile, reach an observation platform overlooking the burbling tannic water.
Stand and enjoy the cool rush of air and the ambiance of one of Florida’s rare natural waterfalls.
Falling Creek Falls up closeContinue to the end of the boardwalk for a pretty view of the waterfall framed by the forest.
Return along the boardwalk, and turn left at the junction with the boardwalk you saw coming in.
End of the boardwalkThe boardwalk ends at a trail in an upland forest upstream from the falls. Listen for the burble of water through rocky rapids.
The footpath affords a few views of the waterway, and side trails lead to its edge.
Islands in Falling CreekThe trail turns away from Falling Creek to head deeper into the bluff forest. Making a sharp right, it continues down a straightaway.
Emerge in an open grassy area with the children’s playground and restrooms at the far end of the parking area.
Straightaway to the trailheadTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A hike at Falling Creek Falls
Slideshow
See our photos from this hike
Nearby Adventures
Other fascinating geologic features nearby
Disappearing Creek Loop Explore a geologic wonderland of karst topography and white sand beaches on this rugged 3.6 mile hike to a chasm where the rapids of Camp Branch are swallowed by a sinkhole.
Florida Trail, Big Shoals 4.6 miles. Showcasing Florida's only Class III whitewater, the hike from Bell Springs to Big Shoals is one of the most scenic segments of the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River.
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