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.

One major draw of Devil's Millhopper is the folklore that surrounds its existence. Once upon a time grain farmers found bones and teeth buried in the bottom of the funnel-shaped sinkhole. But how did they get there? Legend has it the Devil once fell in love with an Indian princess and captured her near here. Her fellow braves tried to rescue her, but the Devil created the sinkhole. The Indians fell in one by one and were turned to stone if they tried to climb out. The water filling Devil's Millhopper is said to be the collection of tears from weeping braves who could not rescue their princess. Quite a tale - but who knows ! ! !

Maps and copies of the legend are available from park rangers at the entrance or can be found at the visitir's center. Inside there are a lot of photo opportunities - dangling vines, sky-reaching trees, and beautiful boardwalks that dip down to the blue-green edge of Devil's Millhopper. The trek down to the sinkhole is easy. But the hike back up the stairs was can be difficult so be prepared.

Directions: The park is accessable from Millhopper Rd. (SR 232) just west of NE 43rd St. in Gainesville. Special Note: the trip along Millhopper Rd. west from the park to I-75 (no interchange) is one of the prettiest drives in the city but be careful for the abundant bicycles and joggers. If coming from I-75 you will need to get off at exit 390, SR 222 (39th Ave.) and go east 3.8 miles to 43rd St. Turn left on 43rd, go to the next light, Millhopper Road, and turn left again. The park entrance is about 1000' on your right.

Website: www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper

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