A wooden boardwalk ends above a verdant green sinkhole filled with water and surrounded by vegetation

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Discover an unexpected rainforest within this remarkable geological wonderland

Know Before You Go

Effective May 24, 2021: Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The visitor center and the stairway are open, and the nature trail is partially open. Restrooms are available. Saturday tours will resume soon. 

Limited Access on Nature Trail

Effective March 12, 2021: The nature trail is open at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park as an out-and-back trail (not a loop) due to the trail bridge closure. Views into the sinkhole are available. Please check back for bridge and nature trail updates. Plans are underway to repair the Deer Run bridge to allow for a full loop trail again. For more hiking options, visit San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, 3.5 miles west on Millhopper Road (County Road 232).

Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Fees

$4 per vehicle, up to 8 visitors. $2 pedestrians and bicyclists.

Location

4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville FL 32653

Get directions

Contact Info

352-955-2008

Welcome to Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

This National Natural Landmark has attracted curious visitors since the 1880s.

Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

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. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. 

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 the sinkhole through interpretive displays.

Plan Your Visit

Image of Robert Dampman, Devil's Millhopper Park Manager, standing ina field petting a horse.
Learn

Manager's Message

Located just a few minutes from downtown Gainesville, Devil’s Millhopper is the perfect place to escape the lights and noise of the city and experience nature!
a view of the greenery on a hillside.
Learn

Descend Into the Sinkhole at Devil's Millhopper

Devil’s Millhopper - designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976 - protects a remarkable example of a collapsed sinkhole and attracts curious visitors from all over. Climbing down a sinkhole is an exceptional experience in Florida. As you descend the 132 steps of the boardwalk, you can see rich vegetation all around you, even during the hot summer months. It may feel like you have been transported to a small rainforest, abundant in wildlife and greenery.

Experiences

Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Tours
Tours
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park Photo Gallery

A view of the visitor center.
A view of the bridge over Deer Run.
Image of tree with white blaze on Devil's Millhopper's Nature Trail.
A view of the Deer Run Creek flowing into the sinkhole.
The plaque stating that Devil's Millhopper is a Natural National Landmark.
A frog.
Pine trees stretch up into the sky at Devil's Millhopper.
Visitor looking towards bottom of staircase
FGS Designation
Learn

Geology of Devil's Millhopper

Although sinkholes are common in Florida, Devil’s Millhopper is unique because it is one of the few places in Florida where more than 100 feet of geologic rock layers are exposed. The park is also unique because it is an important and beautiful example of how ecosystems develop in response to geological features. 
A glass case containing many fossils.
Learn

History of Devil's Millhopper

The Millhopper Sink has drawn curious visitors to this place since at least the 1880s. Visitors to the park over the years have found several prehistoric archaeological artifacts such as arrowheads, but the exact locations of any discoveries remain unknown.

People Make the Parks

Jesse, on a horse in a clearing, smiling at the camera.

Staff Spotlight

Following his passion led Jesse Natwick to the Florida Parks Service and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park.
Art Campbell, Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight

A lifelong Floridian, Art Campbell was born and raised in Gainesville. Now going on 75 years of age, he’s always loved spending time outdoors.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

State Geological Site

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Paynes Prairie looking over Prarie

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie is an unpredictable Florida treasure, boasting herds of wild horses and bison, nearly 300 species of birds and a unique ecosystem that visitors will enjoy exploring.

100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy FL 32667

O'Leno State Park

O'Leno State Park

One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This historic park along a rustic North Florida river offers the perfect escape into the wilderness.

410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road
High Springs FL 32643

Crystal River Preserve Arial Image

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Discover one of Florida's most productive and biologically diverse estuaries, where freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa.

3266 N. Sailboat Ave.
Crystal River FL 34428