Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Site

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is located in Alachua County just outside of Gainesville, Florida and is an amazing place to visit year round.  It is one of the largest sinkholes in the state, at 120 feet deep and 500 feet across at the top.  A wooden boardwalk provides access to the bottom of the sink, and as you descend the 222 steps into the bottom, you can hear and see countless little waterfalls making their way down into the bottom of the sink.  Due to groundwater temperatures and humidity, the air at the bottom of the sink hovers at around 72 degrees year round, making this a great trip in both winter and summer.

Aside from the hike into the sink itself which may not be the best option for those with joint problems, there is a half-mile trail that runs around the top of the basin.  This trail is shaded, and is great for people who aren’t able to make the trip down into the sink.  For those who are interested in a guided tour of the park, every Saturday at 10:00 am guided tours are available.  Pets are welcome in this park provided that they are on a leash.  This is a very inexpensive trip at $4.00 per vehicle, or $2.00 per pedestrian, and the Devil’s Millhopper is well worth the short drive out if you are in the area.

What to Pack:

• Water bottle
• Picnic Lunch (optional)
• Sturdy shoes
• Bug Spray

More information including directions can be found at the park website.