Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

The most prominent feature of the park is the large sinkhole formed by the dissolution of limestone by acidic groundwater over long periods of time. Devil's Millhopper is unique in Florida in terms of its scale; over of rock layers are exposed. ==Ecology==

Even though the park is only , three distinct ecological environments exist in the park, based on exposure to sun, fire, and water. In the sandhill environment, the sandy soil and regular fires result in pine trees being the predominant vegetation. The moist soils of the hammocks support broadleaf trees and more low vegetation, while the swamp areas support flora and fauna adapted to year-around wet conditions. ==History==

The 120 foot (40 m) deep, 500 foot (150 m) wide sinkhole was named from its similar appearance to the hopper of a mill, along with the bones found at the bottom, suggesting animals entered it on the way to meeting the devil. The area was owned for a time by the science department at the University of Florida and used as a research site for students. Its unique ecosystem made it an invaluable resource for study. However, the area was often used by students as a place to socialize and have parties, which led to problems with litter and erosion from foot traffic. The site was purchased by the state in 1974, and a set of 236 wooden steps, along with boardwalks and an observation deck at the bottom were completed in 1976 to allow access to the sink for visitors without further soil erosion. The boardwalk was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and closed to the public. The damaged boardwalk was replaced with a 132-step structure that ends higher in the sinkhole than the old one did. The path into the sinkhole reopened to the public in 2019. The formation was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (in part for its surviving Civilian Conservation Corps infrastructure) in 2017. File:Devil's Millhopper - 18.jpg|A nature trail in the park File:Gainesville FL Devil's Millhopper down01.jpg|Vegetation File:Devil's Millhopper - 3.jpg|Boardwalk by the sinkhole File:Florida Longleaf Pine Sandhill at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.jpg|Florida Longleaf Pine Sandhill near the entrance Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Registered Natural Landmark plaque.jpg|Registered Natural Landmark plaque ==See also==