DEVIL'S MILLHOPPER
GEOLOGICAL STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller  April 21, 2025

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a captivating Natural National Landmark just outside Gainesville.

The park’s centerpiece is a massive, bowl-shaped sinkhole, plunging 120 feet deep and spanning 500 feet wide.

This geological marvel, formed by the dissolution of limestone over thousands of years, creates a miniature rainforest at its base, where small streams trickle down fern-lined walls.

With its unique ecosystem and striking beauty, Devil’s Millhopper draws nature lovers, hikers, and curious explorers year-round. 

Devil's Millhopper Sinkhole and Stairs

The sinkhole, believed to have formed 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, has intrigued visitors since the 1880s.

Its name stems from its funnel-like shape, resembling a mill hopper, and the fossilized bones found at its bottom, sparking legends of animals meeting the “devil.”

Once owned by the University of Florida’s science department, it served as a research site until litter and erosion from student gatherings prompted its transfer to the state in 1974.

By 1976, a 132-step wooden staircase was built to protect the site while allowing public access.

Fossils of shark teeth, marine shells, and extinct animals discovered here have provided valuable insights into Florida’s ancient natural history. 

Located at 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653 (phone 352-955-2008), the park is easily accessible from Interstate 75 (exit 390).

It’s open 8 am to sundown 365 days a year, with an admission fee of $4 per vehicle (up to eight people) or $2 for pedestrians and cyclists.

Visitors can descend the staircase to the sinkhole’s base, explore a half-mile nature trail around the rim, or visit the interpretive center for exhibits and an audiovisual program.

Guided ranger tours are offered Saturdays at 10 am, and pets on a 6-foot leash are welcome.

Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, especially in summer, and note that the staircase may be challenging for some. 

• Devil’s Millhopper is one of the few places in Florida exposing over 100 feet of geological rock layers, offering a visible record of the region’s past.  

• The sinkhole’s microclimate maintains a cool 72°F year-round, supporting lush vegetation even in dry summers. It is a popular place to visit during Gainesville's scorching hot summers. 

• Fossils found here include remnants of extinct species, making it a paleontological treasure.  

• The park also hosts yoga classes under its hardwood canopy, blending fitness with nature’s serenity. 

DEVIL'S MILLHOPPER WEBSITE