Devil’s Millhopper
If you are looking for an outdoor excursion that takes you to a lush tropical rain forest filled with beautiful wild flowers and ferns then Devil’s Millhopper is a must see.
Devil’s Millhopper is a 120 foot deep, 500 foot across bowl shaped sinkhole which offers a unique environment to many species of wildlife including reptiles, many beautiful birds, rabbits, and colorful vegetation. There is a hiking trail along the rim of the sinkhole which lets you glimpse down the limestone walls to the beautiful plants and flowers at the bottom.
The name Devil’s Millhopper comes from a tool used during the 1880’s by farmers that ground grain in gristmills. On the top of the mill was a funnel-shaped container called a “hopper” that held the grain as it was fed into the grinder. Because fossilized bones and teeth from early life forms have been found at the bottom of the sinkhole, legend has it that the millhopper was used to feed bodies to the devil.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you definitely want to walk down the 236 wooden stairs that lead down to the bottom. Be careful as some of the boards are slick at times. While walking down the stairs, you will see streams of water seeping out of the limestone walls like miniature waterfalls trickling down into the earth. The walls are covered in beautiful wild ferns and some of the greenest plants you have ever seen. A word of caution to parents… small children love climbing down the stairs but when it is time to walk back up they find it much easier to hop into mom or dad’s arms which can be quite a workout.
Located at 4732 Millhopper Road, Devil’s Millhopper is a short drive from anywhere in Gainesville. They are open Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm and admission is only $2 per car. Quite a bargain for all there is to offer. This is a great place for a breakfast or lunch picnic and there are plenty of tables. You are welcome to bring your pets with you as long as they are on a 6 foot leash. Each Saturday at 10 am Park Rangers offer guided tours through the park pointing out wildlife and points of interest. You can call Devil’s Millhopper at (386) 462-7905 to make tour reservations or more park information.
For a great Breakfast date, stop by Donut Connection on 39th Ave and pick up a couple of glazed donuts and cups of coffee and have breakfast in the park.
Popularity: 95% [?]
