But just outside of Gainesville is an ancient sinkhole unique enough to be named the state's only geological site. A trip to the sinkhole, the Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site, is a hike, history lesson and trip to the mountains all rolled into one. The Devil's Millhopper is unique for several reasons. Most sinkholes are shallow and fill with water, quickly turning them into lakes. The Millhopper has managed to remain dry and develop its own unique ecosystem.
Most sinkholes are relatively small.
The Devil's Millhopper is 500 feet across and 117 feet deep. The age of the Millhopper, over 10,000 years old, has allowed it to retain plants that are now extinct throughout much of the rest of Florida. Once you start down the steps, you find yourself in an area that looks much more like the Appalachian Mountains than the surrounding Florida countryside. Streams fed from 12 different springs tumble down the sides, collecting into a marsh at the bottom. Along the journey down are small ponds and moss-covered rocks, home to lizards and frogs.