Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is located in Gainesville, Florida, and is known for its unique geological features.


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Summary

The park is a giant sinkhole, approximately 120 feet deep, with a staircase leading down to a freshwater stream and miniature waterfall.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along a boardwalk trail that winds through the lush forest and offers numerous scenic overlooks of the sinkhole. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds and reptiles.

One of the most interesting points of interest in the park is the fossilized shark teeth that can be found within the limestone walls of the sinkhole. These teeth date back millions of years and provide a glimpse into the prehistoric marine life that once existed in the area.

The best time of year to visit Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is during the fall and spring months when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the sinkhole and surrounding forest in any season.

Overall, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology, nature, and outdoor recreation. The park's unique features, including the sinkhole and fossilized shark teeth, make it a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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