Washington County: Water, Forests and History

Washington County combines impressive waterscapes, expansive forest areas and a multifaceted history. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for canoeing, hiking, wildlife watching, historical discoveries and relaxing days by the water. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine the personal focus of the trip.

Springs, Waterways and Special Nature Experiences

One of the most unusual natural formations is Falling Waters Sink: The cylindrical shaft is 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. Visitors can also swim in a two-acre lake. Overnight accommodations in the park include 24 campsites with water and electrical hookups.

Water is also a defining feature of Econfina Creek. The primarily spring-fed canoe trail passes through a landscape of rapids, springs and rock outcrops. Walsingham Park is a launch point for canoeing and kayaking and marks the beginning of an 11-mile section with up to 11 springs or groups of springs as well as up to 39 spring outlets. The county has a total of 29 public boat launches on rivers, creeks and lakes. Holmes Creek is one of the two major waterways that flow independently through Washington County.

Those traveling without their own boat can rent kayaks and canoes daily at Holmes Creek Canoe Livery. The service includes a shuttle to a point directly upstream from Cypress Springs. Blue Spring Recreation Area has three spring outlets; the spring group is classified as a third-magnitude spring. It also features an ADA-compliant ramp and stair access, an observation platform, a footbridge and three campsites that can only be used by reservation. Dunford Lake is a 210-acre sinkhole lake between ancient sandhills. It is suitable for swimming and fishing, while the lakes there contribute to the replenishment of the Florida aquifer.

Forests, Trails and Wildlife

Pine Log State Forest was acquired in 1936 and is Florida’s first state forest. More than 13 miles of hiking trails run through the area, including approximately 8 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The 9.1-mile Old Sawmill Trail is designated as an equestrian trail. The state forest can be reached via Highway 79 and open forest roads. Depending on your travel plans, you can focus here on hiking, horseback riding or nature observation.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve offers educational encounters with wolves that require reservations, along with scientific information about this species. Sunshine Riding Trails organizes guided rides on Tennessee Walking Horses through fields and forests with vegetation typical of northwestern Florida. Washington County also offers horseback riding, overnight camping, riding lessons and summer horsemanship camps; horse boarding is available as well. Orange Hill Gator Farm offers private tours lasting 2 to 2.5 hours.

History and Regional Culture

The Washington County Historical Society Museum preserves the county’s heritage and culture. Its areas include various exhibits, a veterans’ memorial wall, explanatory panels and a genealogy corner. The Washington County Heritage GeoTrail connects 32 historic sites; 15 of these stations must be completed to finish the game. The section of the Old Spanish Trail through Washington County, now designated Historic Highway 90, opened in 1925.

The Spanish Trail Playhouse is also part of the region’s history. It first opened in Chipley on September 7, 1962, presenting Southern Exposure. It officially reopened on September 5, 2008, with a three-day production of Steel Magnolias. A church and cemetery were established in 1884 in the former center of the county’s citrus belt. Sylvania A.M.E. Church was one of the earliest churches in the region.

The Wausau Fun Day & Possum Festival represents regional traditions. The event takes place annually and includes a parade, games, vendors, live entertainment and a possum auction. Wausau’s FunDay began and was later known as the Possum Festival. A seasonal market at the train station in Chipley, 685 7th Street, offers produce and products from local makers, bakers and growers several times a week.

The Right Base for Your Trip

When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, you can first decide whether water-based nature experiences, trails through forests and landscapes, or regional history should be the focus of your trip.

More destinations: De Soto County, Manatee, Glades County, Indian River, Collier, Sarasota, Escambia.

To the main travel overview: Florida.