Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Entrance

Devil's Millhopper, the Florida State Park system's only geological site, gets its Millhopper name from its funnel-like shape. During the 1800's farmers used to grind grain in grist mills. On top of the mill was a funnel shaped container, or hopper, that held the grain as it was fed into the grinder. Because fossilized bones and teeth from ancient life forms were found at the bottom of the sink, this was said to be the millhopper that fed bodies to the devil, hence, the Devil's Millhopper.



Formation
Limestone is the foundation on which the surface of Florida sits. Although this stone is vary hard, it is easily dissolved by a weak acid. Rain water becomes a weak carbonic acid from contact with carbon dioxide in the air. As the water soaks into the ground, it passes through dead plant material which causes the acid to become even stronger. When this water reaches the limestone layer, small cavities are formed as the rock is slowly dissolved away. Eventually the ceiling of the cavern becomes so thin that it can't support the weight of the earth above it. When the ceiling collapses, a sinkhole is formed.

Description

232 Step Stairway To Bottom

The sinkhole is 117 feet deep and 500 feet across. It has a 232 step stairway leading to the bottom and a one-half mile nature trail around the rim. The sight and sound of water flowing down the slopes of the sink provide one of the most enjoyable features of the park. This water begins as rain seeping down through the surrounding landscape and drains through the soil into a layer of limestone. Clay beneath the stone prevents further downward movement causing water to then flow along the limestone layer. It then spills out to form the springs around the sinkhole. There are about 12 springs, some cascading to the bottom where they flow into natural drain in the sinkhole which eventually finds its way to the Gulf Of Mexico.

Plants and Limestone

Plants
Besides the Millhopper itself, the 63 acre park features a wide variety of plant communities, formed and adapted to the varying amounts of sunlight, moisture and fire. Three basic communities exist in the park: The sand hill, the hammock and the swamp. Pine trees grow in the highest area where the soil is sandy and dry. The widely spaced trees let sunlight reach the forest floor and allow a thick cover of grasses and flowering plants to grow.  This community is maintained by occasional fires that sweep through the area and kill back the invading hardwoods. Broad leafed trees grow in the moist and fertile soils of the hammock. Gums and willows grow in the small park swamp.


Animals
The park is home for many animals. Frogs, lizards, snakes, birds and small mammals are common. The Gopher tortoise listed in the species of special concern, is found within the park.

Interpretive Center
An interpretive center provides explanation and exhibits of the site's natural history. Written materials are available there. Guided walks are offered every Saturday morning (weather permitting) and can be scheduled on other days by reservation for groups of five or more.

Contact and Location
For additional information contact Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park at 352-955-2008. The park is located at 4732 Millhopper Road in Gainesville Florida.

Nature Man Photography is pleased to bring you the following:

Limestone

Leave Nothing But Footprints

Registered National Landmark