Along with the most popular adventure spot in Florida, Walt Disney World where millions of holidaymakers visit every year for an exciting holiday, Florida is home to several natural treasures as well which are no less alluring to adventure enthusiasts. Here we’ve lined up a few of them; have a peek and make the most of your holiday on your next visit to Florida:
Image Credits: Art Anderson,Matthewjparker
Everglades National Park
Home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, Everglades National Park takes Floridian adventure to the next level. A World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, it is visited by around a million people each year. Covering about 1.5 million acres of wetland, Everglades National Park has abundant wildlife including herons, turtles and alligators. Besides, the park features three main entry points, namely, the Gulf Coast Visitor Centre, the Shark Valley Area and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Centre, which can be accessed through different areas of South Florida.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville
Located on the northern edge of Gainesville, it is a Florida State Park with a 120 feet deep limestone sinkhole known as “Devil’s Millhopper”. A beautiful natural paradise, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park features a wooden boardwalk which takes you down to the bottom of the sinkhole in 212 steps and a half mile nature trail which goes around the top of the sinkhole as well as a picnic area and a small visitor centre. The waterfalls here at Devil’s Millhopper are delightful to look at.
Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Boasting distinctive formations of limestone stalactites, soda straws, stalagmites, flowstones and draperies, Florida Caverns State Park is the only state park in Florida which offers cave tours. Situated in the Florida Panhandle near Marianna, this park is known for its protected area of karst topography and exclusive geological features. What makes this place more stunning is the picturesque Chipola River winding through the park. Here, you can bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one to take in the charms of this beautiful river. Besides, it is an ideal spot for camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding.
Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
Situated 3 miles south of Chipley, Falling Waters State Park is known for its 73-foot waterfall, the tallest and the highest in the state. Here, the Sink Hole Trail leading to the waterfall is lined by huge trees and is a sight to behold. The waterfall falls into a 100-foot sinkhole, known as Fall Waters Sink. This place is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers where they can spend a perfect picnic day witnessing native and migrating butterflies in the butterfly garden, hiking along the verdant, gently sloping landscape of North Florida, and taking a dip in the lake.
Devil’s Den, Williston
Devil’s Den is one of the most unique diving places in Florida, situated in Williston, around 30 minutes away from Gainesville. It is a 60-foot prehistoric spring, alluring with its mesmerising underground geological wonders and drawing adventure lovers to experience the thrills of scuba diving and snorkelling. Home to a subterraneous river with a collapsed roof, it welcomes you with an open cave-like den which has a 120-foot diameter landscape of ancient rock formations, crystal clear waters, fossil beds and stalactites.
