Chipley Park/Lake DeFuniak

Less than 2 miles from the hustle and bustle of I-10, in the quaint City of DeFuniak Springs’ historic district, lies a splendid park set amongst postcard-picture-perfect Victorian homes. This charming site is ideal for all mobility and skill levels—beginners, families or anyone needing a relaxing break. Chipley Park surrounds Lake DeFuniak, a 40-acre, circular spring-fed lake which attracts wintering waterfowl such as Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Hooded Merganser and American Coot. Walk the paved 1-mile trail around the lake looking in the mature oaks and pines for resident birds such as Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Pine Warbler and Brown-headed Nuthatch. Winter residents include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, and Cedar Waxwing; Dark-eyed Junco has been recorded in winter. Purple Martin and Chimney Swift zoom overhead in pursuit of insects in spring and summer; watch for Eastern Kingbird, Killdeer, Common Grackle and Little Blue Heron along the lake margins. On the western shoreline, you may launch a canoe or kayak from the boat ramp beside the historic Chautauqua building. On the northwestern shoreline is the oldest continually operating library in the state of Florida, and its native plant garden is part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail.