Park Summary for Print - Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

Two people stand on a boardwalk looking down at the water.

Welcome to Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

In the midst of north Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground, and lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. A significant geological formation, Devil's Millhopper is a National Natural Landmark that has been visited by the curious since the early 1880s. Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida's natural history by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells, and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about this sinkhole through interpretive displays. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Located two miles northwest of Gainesville, off State Road 232.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Devils Millhopper Geological State Park, please call 352-955-2008.

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The park is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Driving Directions

Take I-75 to C.R. 222 (Milepost Exit 390 - Old Exit 77) and drive east 3.8 miles. At 43rd Street, turn left. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Millhopper Road. Park entrance is located approximately 1,000 feet on the right.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$4.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Activities at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

	Guided Tours Guided walks with a Park Ranger are available every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Special guided walks for groups are available by reservations. Call (386) 462-7905 for more information.
	Nature Trails A one-half mile nature trail meanders along the top of the sinkhole, and a boardwalk system descends to the bottom of the Devil's Millhopper. Dogs on a hand-held 6-foot leash are welcome.
	Pets Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are on a six foot leash. They are permitted in the picnic area and nature trails.
	Picnic Areas This is a popular spot for a quick escape from town for a picnic. Dogs on a hand-held 6-foot leash are welcome.
	Visitor Center The visitor center offers exhibits and an audio-visual program. ADA accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor Center.
	Wildlife Viewing Squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians can been seen when in the park. Birds of the pinelands and suburbs are also commonly sited.

Special Events for Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Devils Millhopper Geological State Park Ranger Programs

SATURDAY RANGER WALK
Ongoing Guided walks with a Park Ranger are available every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Special guided walks for groups are available by reservations. Call (386) 462-7905 for more information.

Call 352-955-2008 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

Question: How deep is the Devil’s Millhopper?
Answer: The sinkhole is about 120 feet deep.

Question: How wide is the Devil’s Millhopper?
Answer: At the top, the sinkhole is 500 feet across from rim to rim.

Question: When did the Devil’s Millhopper form?
Answer: Geologists estimate that the Devil’s Millhopper collapsed approximately 10,000 to 14,000 years ago.

Question: How many steps are there going down into the Devil’s Millhopper?
Answer: There are 236 steps.

Question: How large is the park?
Answer: The park covers an area of 63 acres.

Question: What is the name of the creek flowing into the Devil’s Millhopper?
Answer: The creek is named Deer Run.

Question: Where does the creek go after flowing into the Devil’s Millhopper?
Answer: It flows into fissures in the limerock in the bottom of the sinkhole. The water eventually finds its way back into the aquifer.

Question: Why doesn’t the water flowing in from the creek and the sides of the Devil’s Millhopper fill it up?
Answer: The fissures, or cracks in the limerock at the bottom are large enough to handle the volume of water flowing into the sinkhole. Occasionally, a heavy rainfall will briefly cause a pool to form at the bottom; however, this usually only lasts for a few hours.

Question: How deep has this pool ever been?
Answer: In February 1998, during a heavy rain event, there was a pool of water that was formed approximately 35 feet deep. It took about a week to drain down.

Devils Millhopper Geological State Park History

As a significant geological formation, Devil’s Millhopper is a National Natural Landmark that has been visited by the curious since the early 1880s. Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida’s natural history by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink.

Devil’s Millhopper gets its unique name from its funnel-like shape. During the 1880’s, farmers used to grind grain in gristmills. On the top of the mill was a funnel-shaped container called a "hopper" that held the grain as it was fed into the grinder. Because fossilized bones and teeth from early life forms have been found at the bottom of the sink, legend has it that the millhopper was used to feed bodies to the devil. Hence, Devil’s Millhopper.

Florida sits upon a foundation of limestone rock. Although this stone is very hard, it can be easily dissolved by weak acid. Rainwater becomes a weak carbonic acid thru contact with carbon dioxide in the air. As it soaks into the ground, passing through the dead plant material on the surface, the acid becomes even stronger. When this acidic water reaches the limestone layer, small cavities form as the rock is slowly dissolved away. A large cavern is formed as this process continues over a long period of time. Eventually the ceiling of the cavern becomes so thin that it cannot support the weight of the earth above it. When the ceiling collapses, a sink is formed.

The sinkhole is 120 feet deep and 500 feet across. A one-half mile nature trail follows the rim, and there is a 236-step stairway to the bottom of the sink. The state purchased this site in 1974, and the stairs were completed in 1976. Until that time, access in the area was limited.