Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Gainesville, Florida:  A dense tropical rainforest extends some 120 feet into the ground at the Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.  The site of a former sinkhole is now filled with tropical foliage, waterfalls and a stunning view from the floor of the sinkhole.

While geologist can't confirm the exact date the sinkhole was formed, it is believed to have occurred almost 15 thousand years ago.  The sinkhole and surrounding property became a state park in 1974.  It is only geological site in the Florida State Park system.

Today visitor's to the park can descend to the bottom of the sinkhole via a 232 step stairway.  The tranquiel sound of water cascading the sides of sinkhole surround you as you climb down to the bottom.  Once you reach the bottom, the sky almost disappears as you are surrounded by the dense canopy of trees surrounding the sinkhole.

The 63 acre park also includes a hiking trail that circles the 500 foot wide sinkhole and a visitor's center to help tell the story of the sinkhole.  

Devil's Millhopper State Park is listed as a National Natural Landmark.

The park is located just north of downtown Gainesville.  Admission to the park is $4 per car or $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist.

Click on the photo above to view my Devil's Millhopper State Park photo gallery.

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