The rolling sandy hills and floodplain forests just west of DeFuniak Springs have a new designation: Shoal River Headwaters State Park, Florida’s newest addition to its state park system.

• The 2,480-acre property opened Friday for passive recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing, while officials work with the public on long-term recreation and land management plans. Future opportunities may include 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.”

The park features mesic flatwoods and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River. It protects critical habitat for rare and imperiled species while supporting aquifer recharge and maintaining the quality and natural functions of wetlands and waterways.

Situated within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, the property serves as buffer land supporting military readiness and links with nearby conservation lands to form connected wildlife corridors.

• “I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park,” said state Rep. Shane Abbott. “This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up.”

Shoal River Headwaters is part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project and was acquired in partnership with Trust for Public Land. The acquisition was approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous cabinet meeting.

“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,” said Melissa Hill, senior project manager for Trust for Public Land.

Florida State Parks welcomed more than 28 million visitors in the last fiscal year, contributing an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.