STATE PARKS
	State Park Superlatives With more than 150 state parks to choose from, it's hard to know where to begin. So we've highlighted one Florida State park that stands apart within each of the state's five regions - northwest , northeast, central southeast, southwest: Smallest (Northwest Florida) Northern Florida is dotted with parks that all lay a claim to fame: Blackwater River State Forest, near Pensacola, has one of the world's purest sand-bottomed rivers. The three-acre spring at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park can produce more than a billion gallons of 70-degree water per day. And, Falling Waters State Recreation Area, north of Panama City, has the highest waterfall in the state at 70 feet. That's why we think it's rather ironic that the area also features Florida's smallest state park. Dead Lakes State Recreation Area, in Wewahitchka, is just 65.5 acres. Despite its size, the park is home to deer, foxes, alligators, beavers, raccoons, opossums, turtles, skunks and many other animals, proving bigger isn't always better. Visitors can walk trails, picnic, canoe or put in their boats, and enjoy fishing and camping. For more information and directions: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp One of America's Longest Underwater Cave Systems (Northeast Florida) Peacock Springs State Recreation Area, with its endangered cave crustaceans, is popular with certified cave divers. The park's pristine sinkholes and springs also make up Florida's most extensive underwater cave complex. Located between Lake City and Perry, the park is relatively new - it was purchased by the state and The Nature Conservancy in 1987. For more information and directions: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp One of the South's Largest Live Oak Trees (Central Florida) The Fairchild Oak was alive about 800 years ago during the era of Seminoles and settlers. Today it's protected by the ruins of sugar plantations, which have been designated as archeological sites. The tree stands in Bulow Creek State Park on Florida's east coast, between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. For more information and directions: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp Largest, Most Unusual Swamp Forest (Southwest Florida) Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve spans an estimated 60 to 100 square miles. This drainage channel off the Big Cypress Swamp boasts North America's largest stand of royal palms and largest concentration and variety of wild orchids. If you're in the area, take a day hike on one of the trails or walk along the boardwalk in this Everglades park. For more information and directions: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp South Florida's Oldest Building (Southeast Florida) The Cape Florida Lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area was built in 1825. Following an attack by Seminole Indians, it was restored in 1846. Today, you can take guided tours of the lighthouse, or play, fish, swim or sun along the waters of Key Biscayne, off the coast near Miami. This park's sandy beach rates among the top 10 in the U.S. It's also one of the most popular parks, with about half a million visitors each year. For more information and directions: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp
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