Standing along the historic route of the conquistador Hernando de Soto, most commonly known as the De Soto Trail, I found ‘the falls‘! The Falling Creek Falls are located in Lake City, which is about a 2 hr 20 min drive from Orlando.
What is Falling Creek Falls?
Falling Creek Falls is a hidden gem in Gainesville, Florida. This beautiful waterfall is located in a secluded area of the woods, and it’s a perfect spot for a picnic or a nature hike.
The falls are about 10 feet tall and they flow into a small pool at the bottom. The best time to visit Falling Creek Falls is during the summer months when the water is flowing at its fullest.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from these falls. Having already been to Falling Waters State Park–home to Florida’s largest waterfall, I didn’t know how big or small these falls were but these are worth the visit.
How to Get to Falling Creek Falls
To get to the falls, we took I-75. Then, once you’re in Lake City, right off of I-75, you will take a detour towards I-10 east. Turn onto NW Falling Creek Road and this will lead you to these beautiful, hidden falls.
Once you arrive, you will notice a historic structure, an interpretive sign, and a playground near the trailhead entrance.
How Long of a Hike is Falling Creek Falls?
To head to the falls, you will take a short 1-mile hike through the boardwalk trail.
I began hearing the relaxing sound of the falls way before even seeing them. And just the sound of it was so beautiful to hear!
Once you get to the end of the trail, you’ll reach the observation platform and the waterfall will be on your left.
And there it was! The cola-colored waterfall left me in awe at first sight. Not because it was super huge, but because it was so pretty!
Since it had been raining quite a lot, it was impossible to see the actual drop of the waterfall. I would love to come back and see them when the river level is at its lowest.
Regardless, Falling Creek Falls just seemed perfect in every way. Along the boardwalk trail, you will also be able to sit and enjoy the sound of the falls.
I do have to mention that you MUST bring mosquito repellent. The mosquitoes, or whatever they were, were insanely annoying.
For this reason, I also suggest wearing some sort of hiking wear, preferably with a long sleeve.
Plan your Visit
- Fee: No admission fees
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Location: 953 Northwest Falling Creek Road Lake City, Florida 32055
📍 Get Directions
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Yanitza Ninett
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.
What a gorgeous spot! I’d love to go somewhere like this but with COVID we’ve been very limited in travel.
It’s super pretty!
I love trekking, I really loved my trip there, small area with small playground, trails and small overlook of the SMALL falls. Not much to it BUT is very peaceful! I loved how you had reviewed it. Great click s.
It’s super peaceful! I guess if we take the time to really enjoy nature it can be quite amazing–no matter how big or small. Thanks for reading!
omg the place looks gorgeous wow!!! I would love to go there for a trek or even to spend a couple of days there, that would be awesome.
It was pretty cool! Thanks for reading!
I love waterfalls. Hiking to a waterfall is such a welcome treat!
It sure is!
I absolutely love waterfalls! They are so fascinating and magnificent!
I think so too! No matter how big, or how small, they always tend to fascinate me in some way.