Florida’s Newest State Park Opens Doors to Nature Lovers
Florida has expanded its network of state parks with the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park. This new park, located just west of DeFuniak Springs, was unveiled with a celebration and guided tour that spotlighted its picturesque landscapes and ecological value. Visitors will find a diverse environment of sandy hills, mesic flatwoods, and floodplain forests along the Shoal River’s tributaries.
“Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.
Spanning 2,480 acres, the park currently offers opportunities for passive recreation such as hiking and wildlife observation. Florida State Parks is collaborating with the public on plans for long-term recreation and land management, which could include camping, biking, and paddling in the future.
Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher remarked, “Shoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation. Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats.”
Florida’s state parks are not only natural gems but also significant economic contributors. Last fiscal year, they attracted more than 28 million visitors, generating an estimated $3.6 billion in economic impact statewide.
Florida Representative Shane G. Abbott expressed enthusiasm for the park, saying, “I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park.”
The park protects vital habitats for rare and endangered species. It also plays a key role in aquifer recharge and maintaining the natural integrity of wetlands and waterways. As part of the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, it serves as critical buffer land and supports military readiness by linking conservation lands to form wildlife corridors.
Shoal River Headwaters is a key component of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project, acquired in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. This acquisition received approval from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet.
Melissa Hill, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land, stated, “Today marks an exciting milestone for Florida’s newest state park and the communities who will now have a place to gather, explore and connect with nature.”
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