Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Introduction of Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

A 120-foot-deep bowl-shaped hollow in the middle of North Florida’s sandy landscape and pine trees descends to a small rain forest. Small streams run through cracks in the earth as they down the limestone sinkhole’s steep slopes. Even during the drier seasons, lush greenery grows in the shade of the walls.

Studying fossilised shark teeth, marine shells, and extinct land animal remnants discovered in the sink has taught scientists a lot about Florida’s natural past.

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park Experiences and Amenities

Experiences

Hiking

The Devil’s Millhopper’s boardwalk system is open, and it leads to the bottom of the structure.

The top of the sinkhole is bordered by a half-mile nature walk that meanders. Dogs are permitted with a hand-held, 6-foot leash.

Picnicking

The park is a well-liked location for a short getaway from the city for a picnic. Dogs are permitted with a hand-held, 6-foot leash. There is a wheelchair-accessible table available.

Tours

Every Saturday at 10 a.m., ranger-led guided hikes are offered. Group tours with a special guide are available with reservations.

• Contact 386-462-7905 for further details.

Wildlife Viewing

The park is home to squirrels, rabbits, and a number of reptiles and amphibians. It’s quite usual to see birds in suburbia and pinelands.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities

The Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is dedicated to giving all of its guests access to a range of facilities. These facilities consist of:

• a visitor centre featuring educational displays.
• picnic areas with grills and tables.

All Florida State Parks locations accept service animals.

Historic Site

Curiosity seekers have been coming to this National Natural Landmark since the 1880s. Researchers have gained knowledge about Florida’s natural past because to fossilised bones of ancient creatures discovered at the bottom of the sink.

Interpretive Exhibit

Information on the geological aspects of the park is provided via interpretive exhibits.

Pets

Bring your pet along while you stroll along the nature trail, have a picnic, or visit the sinkhole. Please pick up after your pet as a responsible pet owner.

• Pets must be on a hand-held leash that is 6 feet long.

Restroom Facilities

There are accessible restrooms.

Visitor Center

Exhibits in the tourist centre describe how the Devil’s Millhopper formed. There is also an audiovisual programme available.

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park History 

The name of the 500-foot-wide, 120-foot-deep sinkhole was given to it because of its resemblance to a mill hopper and the bones discovered at the bottom, which suggested that animals may have entered it on their trip to the devil. The University of Florida’s science department once owned The Millhopper, which it let students use as a study location. Its distinctive environment makes it a priceless resource for research. However, because students frequently gathered there for parties and socialising, there were issues with garbage and erosion brought on by foot traffic. 

After the state bought the property in 1974, a series of 236 wooden stairs, boardwalks, and an observation platform were built in 1976 to provide tourists with access to the sink without causing more soil erosion.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the boardwalk, which was therefore off-limits to the public. A 132-step structure that finishes higher in the sinkhole than the previous boardwalk did has been built to replace the broken one. On June 5, 2019, the public may once again access the entrance to the sinkhole.

In 1974, the formation was named a National Natural Landmark, and in 2017, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (in part because of the infrastructure that still exists from the Civilian Conservation Corps).

Transportation

Driving

On NW 53rd Avenue, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is situated two miles from Gainesville (State Road 232).

Exit I-75 at 390 to get to C.R. 222. 3.8 miles to the east, then 43rd Street to the left. Turn left onto Millhopper Road at the second traffic signal. The park’s entrance is around 1,000 feet to the right.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.