Florida State Parks has announced the opening of Shoal River Headwaters State Park, located just west of DeFuniak Springs. The new park was introduced during a ceremony and guided tour that showcased its landscapes and ecological value. The area features rolling sandy hills, mesic flatwoods, and floodplain forests along the tributaries of the Shoal River.
“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. “Florida’s Park Service is a national leader and with each new addition we continue to raise the standard for conservation and resource-based recreation. 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.”
The 2,480-acre park is currently open for passive recreation such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Florida State Parks will work with the public on long-term plans for recreation and land management, with future possibilities including camping, biking, and paddling along the Shoal River.
“Shoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats.”
Florida State Parks play an important role in local economies across the state. In the previous fiscal year, more than 28 million people visited Florida State Parks, generating an estimated $3.6 billion in economic impact statewide.
“I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park,” said Florida Representative Shane G. Abbott. “This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up.”
The park protects critical habitat for rare species, supports aquifer recharge, and helps maintain wetland functions. It is situated within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and serves as buffer land supporting military readiness while connecting with other conservation areas to create wildlife corridors.
Shoal River Headwaters is part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project and was acquired through a partnership with Trust for Public Land. The acquisition received approval from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet at an earlier meeting.
“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,” said Melissa Hill, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land. “Thanks to the extraordinary collaboration with Florida Forever, Atira Conservation, EJK Foundation and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, this remarkable landscape is protected forever — safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor experiences for generations to come.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection acts as the main agency overseeing environmental management in Florida. It manages over 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites; regulates waste management; provides permitting services; advances land conservation; bolsters resilient communities; protects air, water, and land resources; operates environmental protection programs across all regions of Florida; maintains its headquarters in Tallahassee; offers project permitting services; regulates waste management; serves as a lead agency for stewardship; supports recreational opportunities through state parks; backs efforts toward coastal resilience through restoration initiatives; oversees regulations regarding water quality; advances planning initiatives statewide.
Learn more about Florida State Parks at their official website.
