Devil's Millhopper
A Hole in the Ground That Opened Up a Whole New Side of Florida
In Gainesville, there is an impressive geologic site known as Devil's Millhopper, a sinkhole filled with lush green foliage, crags and crevices, and unique life.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a quiet oasis located in a largely residential area of Gainesville, Florida. Among the many pine flats, oak hammocks, and sandy beaches that Florida is known for, Devil’s Millhopper is a unique ecosystem and a geologic wonder that attracts both nature lovers and scientists alike.
Devil’s Millhopper is a sinkhole that opened up when one of Florida’s many underground caverns collapsed. Sinkholes are relatively common throughout the state, thanks to the soft limestone that comprises the system of aquifers, Florida’s natural water supply. Devil’s Millhopper is not like other sinkholes, though. While most are shallow, sandy, and sometimes destructive, down in this 120 foot deep and 500 foot wide bowl resides a whole other world, a habitat quite different from what most think of as Florida.
As visitors traverse down the staircase into the bottom of the hole, they hear the sounds of trickling streams and cascading waterfalls. They feel the temperature and humidity drop significantly, a welcome relief in the brutal summer months. On the trek down, there are little crevices and tiny caves in the walls that house all types of critters, including amphibians and reptiles. A viewing platform at the bottom of the sinkhole allows visitors to observe a serene and verdant rain forest-like environment, lush with vegetation more likely to be seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway than in Florida’s woodlands.
What kind of name is Devil's Millhopper?
You might be wondering where the sinkhole got its unique name. The name Millhopper dates back to the late 19th century, when farmers would grind grain in mills with funnel-shaped tops. The farmers referred to the tops as “hoppers”. But what about the “devil” part of the name? This likely came from the superstitions of residents who first began investigating the sinkhole. They were finding numerous fossils and shark’s teeth, and assumed they had been left there as an offering to the devil himself.
Is there more to do than just climb into a hole in the ground?
Aside from enjoying the peaceful calm of the sinkhole, there are plenty of other things to do at the park. There is a visitor center that details the sinkhole’s history, including its rich archaeological record. There is also a large picnic area, and a few short hiking trails through some more typical Florida woodlands. And during the right time of day, plenty of wildlife can be seen, including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and plenty of other birds. Devil’s Millhopper is open from 9:00 – 5:00 Wednesdays through Sundays, and the entrance fee is $2.00 per car and $1.00 per bicyclist.
For something a little different during a Florida vacation, something a little off the beaten path, a trip to Devil’s Millhopper is definitely worth the trip. It is unlike anything else in Florida, and it is a welcome respite from the heat, humidity, and crowds that you will experience elsewhere in the state.
Sources consulted:
"Devil's Millhopper". Retrieved from http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/devilsmillhopper.html on 9 July 2007.
"Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park". Retrieved from http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/ on 9 July 2007.
