Florida’s Secret Natural Gems for Improving Mental Health
Known for its white-sand beaches, Florida isn’t the first place you’d think of when you hear the word waterfall. With the flattest terrain in the United States, these waterfalls are created from hollow depressions from sinkholes, cavities, tunnels, and caverns. Whether you’re going on a road trip to many of these natural hidden gems in Florida or visiting just one for a long weekend, connecting with nature is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself and improve overall mental health! Our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing may suffer because we’re not getting outside, we’re not soaking in vitamin D, and we’re not grounding with the earth enough. Uniting with nature and your ecosystem has been known to clear the mind and therefore improve overall interpersonal functioning and relationships! There is a lot of research that suggests eco-therapy has many health benefits, including mental health!
Visit some of these for healing and then comment below on your experience! We would love to hear from you!
Florida Waterfalls:
Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
In Florida’s Panhandle, you’ll find Florida’s largest waterfall at 73 feet. Sitting atop a tall ridge, follow the Sink Hole Trail boardwalk that leads you down to an observation deck where you can observe the 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide cylindrical sinkhole that disappears into the Florida aquifer. Here you can explore an array of smaller sinkholes surrounded by towering trees and lush ferns. You certainly won’t be bored at this park, as it also has a butterfly garden, a two-acre lake for fishing and swimming, and 24 campsites.
Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon
Rainbow Springs is a man-made waterfall, but certainly worthy of its place on the list. A Florida attraction since the 1930s, Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon became a state-owned facility in the ’90s. Here you’ll find Rainbow River, a natural spring, and 3 man-made waterfalls that can be seen from the park’s pristine nature trails. Visitors are impressed by the clear spring waters and winding nature paths that are dotted with lush gardens and towering oak and magnolia trees. Other highlights of Rainbow Springs include top-notch swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and camping.
Falling Creek Falls, Lake City
Located in Lake City, Falling Creek Falls has a picturesque 0.6-mile boardwalk trail that leads you to a 10-12 foot waterfall over limestone. A perfect area for a family day out, the area also has picnic tables, a playground, and a historic building where you can soak in some of Florida’s most pristine natural surroundings.
Steinhatchee Falls, Steinhatchee
A baby waterfall by comparison to the others, the Steinhatchee Falls are certainly still worth a visit. Here you can soak in 1,766 acres of some of the most stunning and pristine natural Florida landscapes of mixed hardwood forest with diverse wildlife like gopher tortoise, wild hog, deer, and turkey. Steinhatchee Falls boasts the widest falls in the Sunshine State and is a popular place for locals to go explore the 3-mile trail and go camping, fishing, and canoeing in the area.
Big Shoals State Park, White Springs
The largest whitewater rapids in Florida, Big Shoals State Park boasts 28-miles of thrilling views that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. While not a traditional waterfall view, at Big Shoals you will find 80-foot limestone bluffs that tower over the Suwannee River, creating impressive views of the park. Explore the wooded trails and you’ll find a handful of stunning views of the raging Class III foamy waters from the perches atop the bluffs. The area is also popular for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Florida Natural Springs:
Devil’s Den
Located just north of Ocala in Central Florida, Devil’s Den is actually underground. The most prehistoric of Florida springs, this hidden gem is a perfect spot for divers and snorkelers alike.
Crystal River
Just about 90 minutes north of Tampa Bay, Crystal River is actually a large network of about 40 natural springs, originating in King’s Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Only accessible by boat access, Crystal River has earned its nickname as a “water lover’s paradise” with a multitude of activities and wildlife to see.
Rainbow River/Rainbow Springs
With such an enchanting name, it’s no surprise that Rainbow River is home to one of the best springs in Florida with a variety of natural wonders. Its history spans back centuries when native Floridians regularly visited these sapphire waters, believed to have magical healing powers.
Ginnie Springs
Along the Santa Fe River lies a true slice of pure Florida. Ginnie Springs boasts some of the clearest waters of all the natural springs in Florida. Made up of a group of seven springs, white sand, and limestone wind into paths that open into caves, making Ginnie Springs a must for any serious cave divers or snorkelers.
Weeki Wachee
Have you ever thought that while, yes, the natural springs in Florida are beautiful, but they don’t have enough whimsy? Well then, you are in luck, because next up on our list, at Weeki Wachee Springs, you can meet a real, live mermaid!
Ichetucknee Springs
North of Gainesville, eight major crystalline springs unite to form the Ichetucknee River, one of the best springs in Florida. It is home to one of the best natural lazy rivers in Florida!
Gilchrist Blue Springs
Florida’s newest state park, Gilchrist Blue pours out 44 million gallons of fresh water out of its second magnitude spring before flowing out in a shallow spring close to the Santa Fe River. The waters, lying along floodplains in the area, boosts and supports a wide variety of ecological habitats.
Madison Blue Springs
Voted the #1 swimming hole in the country by USA Today, Madison Blue Springs is revered as one of the best springs in Florida. It is a truly stunning pool that makes you feel like you are in a remote tropical oasis!
Juniper Springs
In scenic Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is tucked away in a subtropical area of palm and oak trees before winding and emptying into Lake George in the Saint Johns River. In use since the 1930s, a group of conservationists built a mill that provides electricity to the adjacent campgrounds and picnic areas.
Silver Glen Springs
Pine, oak, and cedar trees surround the quaint, aquamarine waters of Silver Glen Springs, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. A variety of freshwater and saltwater fish call this spring home, along with manatees seeking solace from the cold, winter waters of the Saint Johns River.
Alexander Springs
This first magnitude spring in Florida is considered by many to be one of the easiest and most accessible for visitors to explore and enjoy, especially for younger and older explorers. A gradient slow, slope eases swimmers and divers into the cooling, crystalline waters. A smooth, limestone floor releases tiny bubbles up around snorkelers.
Rock Springs Kelly Park
The free-flowing springs at Rock Springs at Kelly Park are a bit cooler than its counterparts, usually topping out at a chilly 68 degrees, making this destination perfect for the hottest of Florida summers.
