Very short walk in the woods. This trail is about 0.6 miles and very well paved and marked. This is good for pretty much anyone. The trail is dirt and not paved so maybe not good if you have any physical challenges. Bottom line...good place for a short walk. Would be nice if you have a short time period that you just want to unwind. The sink hole is closed though so make your plans accordingly read more

Devil's Millhopper is a very interesting little park that gives you a firsthand look inside a sinkhole (which is also somewhat frightening!). In the parking lot and up top of the sinkhole, there are picnic tables, dog water area, benches, restrooms and an interpretive display of the area. Fair Warning: Going to the bottom of the sinkhole, there are a lot of boardwalk steps! However, you'll get to see the environment change from pine trees to a mini rainforest with waterfalls. Besides, think of the steps as healthy exercise with a nice view. Tips: 1.) Go after a good rain so there are waterfalls and water in the sinkhole. 2.) Pet Friendly (on leash) 3.) Bring Water (for pups too) 4.) Bug Spray (possibly) **Sinkhole is Not Wheelchair Accessible** read more

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Devil's Milhopper is a giant sinkhole. Yep, true. That sounds lame, but it's really what it is, although chances are`you haven't seena sinkhole this large before. I came here once during college for a class trip, and remember thinking that it sucked. But we came back last year with a small group of friends and it was a lot nicer and more interesting. There is a set of stairs that lead down to the bottom of the sinkhole, as well as a path/trail that runs around the perimeter up top, as well as into the woods a bit, if I'm not mistaken. So it's a nce spot just to get out into nature for a half hour or an hour or so. Waterfalls line the sinkhole, which is always a bonus. There's also some benches to sit on and watch a video that describes the history and the layers of earth that line the hole. I dunno what I'd recommend as far as when to come - sumer will be hot and buggy, but that's the rainy season, so waterfalls should be better. read more

Okay I really had to write a review for Devil's Milhopper, simply because it seems to have gotten a bad rap on Yelp. Yes, it is a sinkhole, but it is HUGE, and the natural beauty here is extraordinary. I absolutely love coming here, and it has to be one of my favorite non-swimming places in central Florida. The Good: Lots of Natural Beauty: From the plants to the waterfall and the birds, there is so much here to see. The place is just gorgeous, and it is a nice place to bring a book or an MP3 player and just zone out. Get some exercise! : OK, I can't lie, taking the stairs down to the bottom of this thing is pretty freaking brutal. The last time I went was about 6 months ago and I was only 21 at the time. And seriously, my legs were ACHING! And if you bring small kids (whom you may have to carry) you can just forget about it. You'll be staying for the day not because you want to, but because you don't want to go back up the stairs! The Bad: A little boring: Okay I will agree to the point that going here is not exactly the most thrilling experience in the universe. I mean, we can't ALL be nature buffs. My advice? If you have a love for all things nature, and don't mind a little workout, then this place is great. If that's not really your thing, then you might as well move on. read more

Ok, it is not the most exciting place, but it is different than anything else you will see around and the vegetation is also very different from the usual in these parts and walking the stairs is good exercise. 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. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about this sinkhole through interpretive displays. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. read more

2 stars as this place was closed due to Irma and they didn't put the sign upfront. The park said it was open normally until 5PM. We paid for the parking and let's say it was quite pointless. The parking payment is on a goodwill donation base. Just because we paid we circled around the hiking trail to justify it. Seems like a pretty cool place but again I never got to see the actual sinkhole . Hoping I get to see this one day. read more

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site - Parks Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Just a heads up they ask for $5 per car dropped in an envelope in a collector bin at the entrance. The second half of the trail was closed due to the bridge being shut-down. We walked the trail and had a nice short walk with our dog. The view of the hole was neat. The park is clean. read more

I love this place. Admission into the park is a little box that you're supposed to put cash into depending on if you're in a car or bike if I remember correctly. It's the honor system but it's only a few dollars to help maintain the grounds. There is a nature trail you can walk or you can take the multiple steps down to the bottom to see the sinkhole. Sometimes Gainesville has inclement weather though and many times I've gone it's been closed halfway to the bottom due to trees falling on the stairs. When you can make it to the bottom though it's beautiful. This is a popular place for families and couples and also people with dogs or who are looking for a good workout outside. It's mostly shaded so you keep cool despite the Gainesville heat. Definitely worth checking out read more

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site - #History - Parks Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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It's been several years since my wife, I, and some friends went to Devil's Millhopper. Along with our son and theirs, we spent an afternoon enjoying the hiking trail and the adventure down into the sinkhole. They drove their class A motorhome from the Palatka area and we went in style in our 1955 Chevy station wagon. Parked near picnic tables and had a nice picnic using the motorhome as our kitchen and supply room. We suggest making it a nice picnic and bring food and drink of your own. We only live 50 miles west but my wife has learned over the years to never leave home for a ride without food and drink. I might end up in another state. Being mature adults we spent a good deal of time decending and walking back up the stairs. Still it was not that bad. Perhaps we were in better shape back then. We also noticed several younger people actually running up and down and commented how that must be a real workout. Being campers and nature lovers we all enjoyed the afternoon and the relaxing feeling of just standing down below thinking of why this hole in the ground was formed and all of the critters it has sucked up over centuries. We were happy to be able to just walk back out. Too many people expect too much when going to places like this. This ain't DisneyWorld and we are happy that there are public places where we can still enjoy Florida as it was. It still amazes us that this hole in the ground is so close to homes and downtown Gainesville. Being from the midwest hurricanes and sink holes always worry us. But after 21 years we realize we worry too much. Get out and enjoy nature while you still can and before someone fills this hole in for a strip mall.. read more

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This geological state park's main feature is a massive sink hole. The sink hole is impressive being 117 feet deep and 500 feet across. Prior to making our descent into the sink hole, we enjoyed the 1/2 mile nature trail. The trail was a refreshing walk and it was a brisk day. There is a very long staircase that takes visitors down to the bottom of the sink hole. I found it quite intriguing being in the middle of this limestone sinkhole. One of my favorite features was the water cascading throughout the park. The waterfalls seep from the the rock and deep vegetation, and it eventually makes it way back to the Gulf of Mexico. I would recommend a visit to Devil's Millhopper to enjoy nature and have a extensive leg work with all those stairs. read more

This sinkhole was slightly impressive, but not worth the $4 to see it. Best part about it was the exercise we all got climbing the 200 steps back up the hill. You can do this whole thing in under 20 minutes. Please note: entrance fee is $4 a car, on the honor system. You must have exact change! read more

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We went with our 3 year old and 5 other members of our family. We all enjoyed the trip. It was very interesting and definitely a sight to see. I wish there would have been some sort of water/food for purchase, did not see that while there, but perhaps I missed it. read more

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site - So much with with family while on vacation! - Parks Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Didn't know Florida had cool spots like this. A quick pit stop during a road trip to Tallahassee. A giant sink hole that has taken on the Essenes of a rainforest, in Florida. I thought it was pretty neat and well taken care of. I wouldn't come out my way just for this stop but if you're in the area why not. read more

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site - Parks Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Like walking back in time. We'll worth the steps. Take your time to take in the details as this is a short hike. read more

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This place was awesome! I didn't know what to expect at first, Brandon didn't really do too much explaining so i thought he was taking me to a hole..which technically he did but it's so much more awesome than that! It cost $4 to park but well worth it for the views and experience. We walked down to the bottom and spent some time down there taking pictures of the breathtaking wildlife. There were people running the stairs trying to get in shape... let me tell you.. you couldn't pay me to run all those stairs. so kudos to those exercising there!! The walk down the stairs doesn't seem to bad but on the way back up you realize how far down you really were. The stair case fits in with the scenery too it doesn't just cut down the hill and stick out like a sore thumb, it winds through so that you almost don't even notice it when you are looking around. I'm a big fan of Devil's Millhopper i'd love to go back the next time we're up there. read more

a beautiful unexpected natural wonder in Florida. The park station has some displays and a walking tour, but the real star is the sinkhole itself. The pretty waterfalls and interesting foliage make it a gorgeously fascinating place. There were small signs indicating fun facts, but I wish there were more regarding the history of the location. Those stairs are killer! But worth it. read more

Who needs a Stairmaster when you can go to this park instead? The main attraction is an enormous sinkhole - you ascend and descend via boardwalk, with many, many steps - I think my iPhone said it was the equivalent of about 10 floors, altogether. Don't worry, there are plenty of landings to catch your breath, I mean, pause and check out the scenic views. I first visited this park probably a decade ago and at the bottom, there was quite a bit of water then, but it's been so dry lately, there were only a few streams trickling here and there (which still looks and sounds very cool). The park is dog friendly, and even if your dog isn't into stairs (or if you aren't, either) there is a solid nature trail around the park as well. read more

Not much too it and gorge stairs shut down due to damage. Still they made us pay full price. Need to expand forest trail dramatically!

Okay, it is a giant sinkhole. That being said, Devils Millhopper is a beautiful diversion and worth a quick hike every once in a while. The way the water flows from the limestone walls is absolutely gorgeous and you can help but think "dinosaurs!" as you get down to the bottom and see the water collecting in the marshy area. If nature's not your thing you will not like this park, but if you like quirky Florida natural phenomena you will enjoy this park. read more

This is a State Park that will appeal to those who like nature and history. The area that humans are allowed to explore is by no means large, but enough for an easy stroll to take in the fresh air, greenery, and the wonder of a natural phenomenon that happens every so often in Florida. The trail loops around and is only 0.6 miles long, with hardly any change in grade and terrain. It was also very quiet when we went, which makes for a really peaceful time. There are convenient benches along the trail in case you need them. A winding staircase then takes you down to the bottom of the sinkhole where a small river flows, and mini waterfalls occur (depending on time of year and whether there has been a lot of rain lately). Going down is not the issue. It's coming up that is a test of your physical prowess. Talk about a glute workout. This was a fascinating place for a humble amateur photographer like myself. read more

I had a wonderful time spending Sunday discovering the millhopper. It is fun going down the wooden stairs and looking at all the plants, animals, and people around you. Coming up is a hike! At the bottom there is seating and it is perfect to sit back and relax. There are a ton of picture opportunities, bring your camera and a good pair of sneakers! Admission is on the honor system $4 per car, $2 per pedestrian. Be kind and pay. read more

This was almost a skip away from where I was staying. Couldn't believe that there was an extremely massive sinkhole a couple miles away from where I was sleeping and that it can possibly happen in my bedroom haha..(Weeks later, I heard in the news that a sinkhole opened up in someone's bedroom swallowing the person in bed, so I guess it's no laughing matter. [A moment of silence, please....Thank you.]) Loved this park. You'll take the wooden stairs to get down to the sinkhole. The vegetation is beautiful, lush, and tropical. And the sound of the water falling into the sinkhole was tranquilizing. Went home and told my bestie about the gigantic sinkhole a few blocks from her home. She was surprised as she has been in Gainesville for 9 years and has never been. Totally worth checking out. read more

Devils Millhopper Geological Site & Park is a MUST SEE for any NEW resident of Gainesville. I tell all my clients to visit this park. It's a park that I take all of my visitors too. read more

Beautiful park! The park itself and the bathrooms were very clean and maintained. Lots of space for walking around and perfect for hanging a hammock. read more

Nice place to check out in Gainesvillle. Who knew this gem was right in my backyard? Huge sinkhole you can walk down and into. There is a nice wooden staircase. Great opportunities to take pictures. The colors of the wood, trees, leaves and water photograph really well. read more

Not very impressive. Maybe I've just been spoiled with the fantastic hiking and views from New England. I brought my camera and did not take one picture. Sure, it's nice to be outdoors, and there are trickling waterfalls. Just not impressed. read more

I'm not a huge fan of Devil's Millhopper. The circular trail is pretty short and the park can be crowded. The stairs down to the swamp area are pretty good though. I have friends that visit a couple of times a week to go up and down the stairs for exercise. I've seen people with big packs or weighted vests to turn their cardio session up a notch or to train for a long multi-day hike. $4 per car on the honor system. You insert $4 into a slot and put the tag on your dashboard. read more

Love this beautiful little park for a nice walk in the woods and a unique view of a Florida sinkhole. Unfortunately the boardwalk is still closed to get to the bottom of the hole, but there is a sign at the gate before you pay the $4.00 to park your car warning you in case that is the reason you came to visit. There are still nice walking trails and on Saturday morning a ranger will take you for a guided walk and share the history as well as current conditions of the site. There is also a yoga class that meets in the picnic area on Saturdays. If I had my mat and the proper clothes I might have asked if I could have joined them. Such a peaceful place to enjoy nature and get some morning exercise. Even just walking through the park, I felt relaxed and happy. With water falling down into the sink hole surrounded with giant ferns, I often feel like I am in a scene from Jurassic Park when I spend time here. Hopefully the boardwalk will be repaired soon so you can take the entire walk down the many stairs (again great exercise) to get below ground level in Florida. read more

Beautiful gem in Gainesville. Only $4 per vehicle (bring cash!). Dogs are allowed. It's peaceful and an easy walk. There are a few scattered gentle falls throughout the sinkhole. Makes for a cute date spot or a good place to take an easy hike. A must-do in Gainesville. Bring your camera of course. read more

Decent time. Trails are nice. Site is very well maintained. Actually sinkhole is basically a large sinkhole. It is interesting but not earth shattering so temper your expectations. read more

Very cool stop for a bit of nature. This is a beautiful sink hole over 10,000 years old. You walk down the stairs to the bottom, where there were at least 10 small waterfalls. It was pretty inexpensive at only a couple bucks per car. Makes for a great family day. read more

The park was really cool and "quite old" according to a very informative sign along the path. I just have one complaint. On the website, it was advertised that the park was full of wildlife, including squirrels. But guess what? I DIDNT SEE A SINGLE SQUIRREL THE ENTIRE FRICKEN TIME. Besides that the park was dope read more

A great place to take a scenic stroll. Nice area of Gainesville. Just off Millhopper road. Go check it out.