In Washington County, water takes many forms: as a spring outlet, a river with rapids, and a landscape with launch sites. Econfina Creek is a mostly spring-fed canoe trail; its features include rapids, springs, and rock outcrops. Holmes Creek is one of two major waterways that flow independently through Washington County. Together, they offer a first impression of the diversity of the area’s waterways.
Springs and Waterways
Blue Spring has three spring outlets. The spring group as a whole is classified as a third-magnitude spring. Walsingham Park is a canoe and kayak launch site on Econfina Creek and marks the start of an 11-mile stretch. Along it are up to 11 springs or spring groups and up to 39 spring outlets. The upper limit is important: these figures describe what may be found along this stretch, not a fixed number on any given day.
Facilities and activities also vary by area. The Econfina Creek Water Management Area offers camping, boat and canoe launch sites, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Blue Spring Recreation Area has an ADA-compliant ramp and staircase, an observation platform, and a pedestrian bridge. Its three campsites are available by reservation only; check the conditions before your trip. Washington County has a total of 29 public boat launches on rivers, creeks, and lakes. Before your trip, check the conditions at the launch site you plan to use.
Another geological destination 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 waterfall; visitors can also swim in a two-acre lake. For camping, the park has 24 sites with water and electric hookups. Since facilities may change, check the conditions before your visit. Across the county, camping options range from basic sites to fully equipped RV hookups.
Forest Trails and Wildlife Encounters
Pine Log State Forest was acquired in 1936 and is Florida’s first state forest. Its hiking trails span more than 13 miles, including about 8 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The 9.1-mile Old Sawmill Trail, by contrast, is an equestrian trail. These different distances refer to separate trails and uses. Access to the state forest is via Highway 79 and open forest roads.
There are other opportunities for wildlife viewing and encounters. Seacrest Wolf Preserve offers educational wolf encounters by reservation and scientific information about the species. Sunshine Riding Trails offers guided rides on Tennessee Walking Horses through fields and forests with vegetation typical of Northwest Florida. Orange Hill Gator Farm offers private tours lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. Check current reservation and seasonal conditions for these tours.
Culture and Local History
The Washington County Historical Society Museum preserves the county’s heritage and culture. Its offerings include various exhibits, a veterans’ memorial wall, interpretive signs, and a genealogy corner. Another way to explore history is the Washington County Heritage GeoTrail: it connects 32 historic sites, and 15 stops must be completed to finish the game.
The Spanish Trail Playhouse also has a long performance history. It first opened in Chipley on September 7, 1962, with Southern Exposure. Its official reopening followed on September 5, 2008, with a three-day run of Steel Magnolias. The section of the Old Spanish Trail through Washington County is now called Historic Highway 90 and opened in 1925. Sylvania A.M.E. Church was one of the region’s earliest churches.
Wausau Fun Day & Possum Festival takes place annually and includes a parade, games, vendor booths, live entertainment, and a possum auction. Wausau’s FunDay began as a celebration and later became known as the Possum Festival. Dates and programming may change; check the details before visiting.
A Seasonal Market in Chipley
A seasonal market featuring produce and goods from local makers, bakers, and growers is held at the Chipley train depot, 685 7th Street. It takes place several times a week. Since the schedule varies by season, check dates and hours before your visit.
Explore more destinations: Chipley, Liberty, Madison County, Osceola, Suwannee County, Hamilton County, Orange, Polk
For the main travel overview: Florida.
