Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: Sinister Sinkhole or Secret Garden??
Our Sunshine State is known for shining seas and exceptional sugar-white sands, but if you travel North, you’ll find something unexpected tucked away in Gainesville – an entire rainforest – inside of a sinkhole!
I know, I know, it sounds like I’m describing Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, but this sinkhole-rainforest really exists! It’s part of Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, and it’s one of the most fantasy-fueled natural wonders you’ll find in Florida.
Watch your step, and join me as we descend into the mist-shrouded abyss. . .
The Devil Went Down to Florida
Obviously, one of the most striking things about Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is the name. I mean, “Devil’s Millhopper” sounds pretty ominous. (With also-Floridian Devil’s Den being a close second!)
What’s the deal with that? Don’t they want visitors?
While we’ve been assured State Parks do indeed welcome all guests, this park felt the need to maintain its menacing moniker, as it’s been handed down through oral history for generations. Keeping the name is part of keeping the area’s history alive, and frankly, it peaks your interest, doesn’t it??
I would certainly read Nancy Drew and the Case of the Devil’s Millhopper. . .but maybe that’s just me.
Either way, that still doesn’t explain how it earned the title in the first place.
Now, I better warn you, this is going to get spooky.
The “millhopper” part seems innocent enough, as it simply describes the funnel shape of the sinkhole. However, early visitors found the bottom of the hole littered with the bones of countless animals, some even frozen in time as ancient fossils. The presence of so many skeletons was eerie. There could only be one…or two…explanations.
The bottom of the sinkhole was obviously a sinister, supernatural place where animals came to meet the devil himself. But like grain tossed in a grinder, the gaping hole simply fed their bodies to the evil one.1
Either that or the devil had kidnapped someone (usually thought to be a Native American princess) and the sinkhole was a trap for anyone who attempted to rescue her.2 More bodies for the hopper.
Um, yikes.
While the stories have stuck around, scaring people silly all the way into the 21st century, geologists are pretty sure the sinkhole was simply created by collapsing limestone.3 (Phew!)
The Making of The Devil’s Millhopper
The current sinkhole was once a limestone cavity beneath the surface of the earth.
The cavity was created by acidic groundwater which slowly, but very surely, carved its way through even the Ocala limestone. Eventually, the roof of the cavity became so weak it gave way, and voila! Devil’s Millhopper was born.
Admittedly, there’s a lot of sinkholes in Florida. So, why is this one so special?
Devil’s Millhopper is unique because it displays over 100 feet of rock layers, exposing fossils that are thousands of years old, including shark teeth, shells, and the remains of marine creatures. Prehistoric arrowheads have even been found, which has spurred archeologists to continue searching for more evidence of Native American visitation, or even habitation, in the sinkhole.4
But it’s not just the rich, natural past that makes this a standout sinkhole! Devil’s Millhopper is also cherished for the amazing ecosystem that developed within its 500-foot radius. It’s become a natural nesting egg – a world within a world.
In 1976, the Millhopper was declared a National Landmark for possessing “exceptional value as an illustration of the Nation’s natural heritage.”5
The Devil’s Millhopper – Actually The Garden of Eden??
Follow in the footsteps of the Millhopper’s first tourists back in the 1880s – 132 modern stair-steps, to be exact – and into the depths of the sinkhole. This natural phenomenon turned National Landmark is 120 feet deep and home to a true paradise.
It really does feel like you’ve descended into another world when you enter the sinkhole. The climate is always pleasant here, with mild temperatures even in sweltering summer. It’s an amazing escape from both the heat and reality!
The rainforest feels like it was manufactured by the author of some grand fantasy novel. Tumbling waterfalls and trickling creeks nourish the rustling trees and tangles of greenery. In harmony with the burble of water, you’ll also hear the chirping of birds and the chattering of squirrels.
Among those birds, you might see the fox sparrow flit by. This chunky bird can range from russet to dark brown in color, usually sporting streaks of white on its tummy. If you’re lucky, they’ll grace you with their song – a short sequence of rich, whistled notes.4
The birds aren’t the only sky-denizens of Devil’s Millhopper – there are also butterflies fluttering amidst the leaves of the forest. Golden-banded skippers sail on the breeze, showing off their dark wings, adorned with a splash of yellow.5
Then, of course, there’s my personal favorite Devil’s Millhopper resident: the gray tree frog. (Shout out to my childhood pet, Licorice!) The gray tree frog can actually change its color in response to its environment, sometimes sporting shades of green and brown as well as gray. With a blotchy pattern splattered across its back (often resembling a star), this sticky little guy has no trouble blending in with the lichen and bark.6
Luckily, the horrific fable behind Devil’s Millhopper hasn’t deterred today’s wildlife from making it a home, and in turn, making this state park an amazing place to explore in Florida!
A Day at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
With its breathtaking scenery and a feeling of utter escapism, a visit to Devil’s Millhopper is due whenever you need to be recharged or re-inspired.
It’s also a great adventure for the whole family! Yes, even the doggo – this park is pet friendly, with leashed friends welcome on the nature trail!7 The nature trail loops around the sinkhole, showcasing the surrounding wildlife and forest. Occasionally you may get a glimpse of the hole, too, but it’s often obscured by dense foliage.
The trail itself isn’t too intensive, with several benches along the way for taking breaks or having a quick picnic lunch.
When you reach the end of the trail you’ll come to the stairs that lead into the sinkhole, finally giving you that spectacular view of this subterranean world. The stairs, recently rebuilt, are now wider and less steep, with landings where you can stop and take everything in – not to mention take pictures, too! It’s the Millhopper at its most accessible! (No worries about becoming a pile of bones at the bottom, I promise!)
Want to take an even deeper dive into the Millhopper? Guided tours (led by park rangers) are held on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.8
Despite its sinister name, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is actually one of the most peaceful places in the Sunshine State and is sure to soothe even the weariest of souls.
Have you been to Devil’s Millhopper? Did you see a gray tree frog?? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
Cover Image
Photo: Wanderland via Flickr
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