Devil's Millhopper Pictures & Video - Natural Sinkhole State Geological Park - Gainesville, FL

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Park
Pictures and a video from the natural sinkhole located in Gainesville Florida known as Devil's Millhopper.

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"Trails - Old & New"

The "Trails - Old & New" sign informs visitors to the Devil's Millhopper state geological park that a railroad tie embedded into the sinkhole's wall (not pictured) is part of an old railroad system built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The current stairway system was built to preserve the natural features of the sinkhole by eliminating all foot traffic that causes wear, erosion and compacts the soil.

I think it would be somewhat dangerous to travel down to the bottom of the sinkhole if the current stairway weren't present. Most of the rocks are covered in slippery moss and the rest of the slope is composed of running water or loose dirt.

Devil's Millhopper Floor

Steep Stairway

Small Natural Stream

"Where Does It Go?"

The water at the bottom of the Devil's Millhopper sinkhole flows in from several sources and eventually filters down into the state's main water supply, the Florida Aquifer. This spring water helps regulate the sinkhole's temperature by cooling it during the brutally hot summer months and those few frigid months of winter in Gainesville. Because of this relatively even climate all year long, the sinkhole can maintain its lush vegetation and wide variety of animal life.

"Needle Palm"

The sign entitled "Needle Palm" points out that this type of palm tree with a short base and upward pointing needles is rarely found in North Florida where temperatures can dip towards the freezing. Needle palms can only be found in deep ravines and sinkholes, such as Devil's Millhopper, where the temperature rarely reaches freezing.

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Park WMV Movie Clip

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Gainesville Florida May 2006 Main Menu