Discover Washington County

Springs, waterways, forests and historic sites give Washington County many different facets. You can plan your trip around the water, explore paths through the forest or learn about the county’s history. The landscapes and activities offer practical pointers for choosing your outings.

Springs and Waterways

Falling Waters Sink is a cylindrical sinkhole 100 feet deep and 20 feet wide. A small stream flows into it and drops 73 feet to the bottom. At Falling Waters State Park, a boardwalk and fern-covered sinkholes lead to a 73-foot waterfall.

Econfina Creek is a canoe trail fed primarily by springs. Rapids, springs and rock outcrops characterize the waterway. Holmes Creek is one of two major waterways that flow independently through Washington County. Walsingham Park marks the start of an 11-mile stretch of Econfina Creek; along this stretch, there are up to 11 springs or spring groups and up to 39 spring vents. Blue Spring has three spring vents; the spring group is classified as a third-magnitude spring.

The county has 29 public boat ramps for outings on rivers, creeks and lakes. The Econfina Creek Water Management Area offers camping, boat and canoe launches, canoeing, hiking and wildlife viewing. You can choose between on-the-water activities and trails on land during your stay, without exploring each area in the same way.

Forest Trails and Camping

Pine Log State Forest was acquired in 1936 and is Florida’s first state forest. Its trail network includes more than 13 miles of hiking trails, including about 8 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. For horseback riding, there is the 9.1-mile Old Sawmill Trail. The forest is accessible via Highway 79 and open forest roads.

Camping options also vary: the county offers everything from basic sites to fully equipped RV hookups. Falling Waters State Park has 24 campsites with water and electric hookups. Blue Spring Recreation Area has three campsites that are available by reservation only. It also has an ADA-compliant ramp and stair access, an observation platform and a pedestrian bridge. Check local conditions and the availability of sites that require reservations before your visit.

Paddling, Wildlife Encounters and More

If you want to explore Econfina Creek by canoe or kayak, Walsingham Park is a launch site. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery offers daily kayak and canoe rentals as well as a shuttle to a point just above Cypress Springs. Water levels and operating conditions can affect the service, so check them before your trip.

At Seacrest Wolf Preserve, educational encounters with wolves are available by reservation only. The encounters also provide scientific information about the species. Sunshine Riding Trails offers another perspective on the landscape with guided rides on Tennessee Walking Horses through fields and forests with vegetation typical of Northwest Florida. The county also has horseback rides, riding lessons, horsemanship summer camps, overnight camping and horse boarding; check with individual operators in advance for their offerings.

More activities complement the nature-based offerings. Sunny Hills Golf Club has an 18-hole course designed by Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi. Orange Hill Gator Farm offers private tours lasting 2 to 2.5 hours; reservations and seasonal operations may change, so it’s a good idea to check the conditions in advance.

Dunford Lake is a 210-acre sinkhole lake among ancient sand hills. Swimming and fishing are available at Dunford Lake. When planning your outings, you can choose between paddling, forest trails and lakeside activities, depending on which landscape and pastime you’d like to focus on.

History and Local Culture

The Washington County Historical Society Museum preserves the county’s heritage and culture. Exhibits include a veterans’ memorial wall, interpretive panels and a genealogy corner. The Washington County Heritage GeoTrail connects 32 historic sites; 15 stops must be completed to finish the game.

The history of roads and facilities is also part of the region’s story. The section of the Old Spanish Trail through Washington County is now called Historic Highway 90 and opened in 1925. The Spanish Trail Playhouse first opened in Chipley on September 7, 1962, with the production Southern Exposure. It officially reopened on September 5, 2008, with a three-day run of Steel Magnolias. Sylvania A.M.E. Church is one of the region’s earliest churches.

Wausau hosts the annual Fun Day & Possum Festival, featuring a parade, games, vendor booths, live entertainment and a possum auction. Wausau’s FunDay became known as the Possum Festival. Check dates and the program before your visit. Seasonal produce and offerings from local makers, bakers and growers are also available at a market at the Chipley train depot, 685 7th Street. It takes place several times a week; check the seasonal schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Chipley, Broward, Bradford County, Martin, Highlands County, Collier, Okaloosa, Hillsborough.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.