Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
About
A 120-Foot Sinkhole Older Than Florida Itself
Devil's Millhopper is a 120-foot-deep sinkhole carved into Florida limestone roughly 10,000 years ago. The state park preserves the bowl-shaped formation along with the surrounding 71 acres of hardwood hammock - a National Natural Landmark.
What Kids Can Do
The wooden staircase descends 132 steps to the sinkhole floor, passing through a microclimate that gets cooler with each step - waterfalls trickle down the walls into a small stream at the bottom. Interpretive panels along the way explain the geology and the fossilized shark teeth and shells found in the limestone. Half-mile rim trail loops the sinkhole top for kids who can't manage the stairs. Visitor Center has hands-on fossil and rock displays kids can touch [marked: sinkhole stairs strenuous on the way back up - rest on platforms during ascent].
What's Included
Admission $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Stairs, rim trail, Visitor Center, picnic area all included. Junior Ranger packet free at the office.
Experience
Plan 1-1.5 hours. Mix of outdoor sinkhole, indoor Visitor Center, and outdoor rim trail. Stairs are not stroller-friendly - babies in carriers OK. Bring water, the climb back up is steep. About 7 miles northwest of downtown Gainesville. Open 8am to sundown daily.