Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park - Florida

Address:4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville, Florida
Tel: (352) 955-2008

Named for Charles Van Damme, a Flemish lumberer, this State Park is 1,831 acres of Mendocino coast beach and upland. The 10 miles of lush Fern Scenic trail system is filled with cypress and pines, and enjoyable on foot or by bicycle. A unique feature of this Park is the Pygmy forest, where poor soil quality caused the stunted growth of the cypress, pines, and rhododendrons planted here. The beach is popular for scuba diving as well as kayaking, and great opportunities for fishing are available as well. Finally, be sure to check out some of the 70 campsites, which are shady and cool, perfect for relaxing after a long day at Van Damme 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.