Riding the Falling Waters and Florida Caverns State Parks Loop
Falling Waters and Florida Caverns State Parks Loop: a 158-mile backroads loop starting at Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach. Plan on about 4.5 hr of riding, plus stops.
Take SR-79 north out of Panama City Beach through Ebro and Vernon, then work east on state and county roads toward Chipley. Falling Waters State Park, about three miles south of Chipley, has a 73-foot waterfall that drops into a deep sinkhole and is the highest in the state. Pick up US-90 east through Cottondale to Marianna, where Florida Caverns State Park is the only Florida state park offering guided tours through a dry cave. Head back west to Cottondale and take US-231 south to Panama City, then US-98 back to the beach. Check park hours and cave tour availability before you go, since tours can sell out or close.
Timing: About 4.5 hours of riding; allow a full day with park stops.
Open the Falling Waters and Florida Caverns State Parks Loop in Google Maps before you leave, and check the National Weather Service forecast for the area on the day.
Highlights
- SR-79 north through Ebro and Vernon
- Falling Waters State Park and its 73-foot waterfall, the highest in Florida
- Guided tours of a dry cave at Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna
Route
Start
Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach
End
Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach
Check road and weather conditions before you ride. Distances and times are approximate.
On the ground
Around Panama City Beach
