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Sinkholes in Florida are notorious for suddenly swallowing cars and houses. But these geological oddities are also a natural and sometimes spectacular part of the landscape. These five hikes from around the state are all great ways to safely enjoy Florida’s sinkholes.
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Florida Is Chock Full of Sinkholes! The state’s unique geology of limestone, dolomite and sand — combined with periods of drought and heavy rain — create the perfect recipe sinkholes. (Over-pumping of groundwater doesn’t help.) This network of caves, sinkholes, springs and underground rivers form what’s called a ‘karst topography.’ The dry sinkhole at Lake Eaton in the Ocala National Forest is a perfect example, and it’s easily accessible by a short, 2-mile trail.1 – The Lake Eaton Sinkhole
The Lake Eaton Sinkhole. The 1.8 mile trail winds through sand pine scrub on the way to a dramatic, 80-foot sinkhole that is 450 feet across. The 188 steps to the bottom make a great workout. Remember to bring water, especially in summer. The well-marked trailhead is located on a dirt road (FR 50) just east of CR 314 about 8.6 miles north of Nuby’s Corner in The Ocala National Forest. Click for trail info from the Forest Service.2 – Sinkhole Trail at Silver Springs
Sinkhole Trail at Silver Springs. The sinkhole trail at Silver Springs State Park near Ocala is a pleasant, 2.5-mile walk through woods. Along the way you’ll enjoy scrub forest as well as sandhill and oak forest. The sinkhole is large, but old and shallow, making it the least dramatic sinkhole on our list. Still, this state park is well worth the visit for its Pioneer Village, museum, and of course the world-famous springs. To access the trail, use the park entrance about a mile south of the main attraction on SR 35. Click for trail info from Florida Hikes.
3 – Devil’s Millhopper
Devil’s Millhopper in Gainesville is one of Florida’s natural wonders. You’ll descend a staircase to the bottom of the sink past a lush forest of ferns and miniature waterfalls that cascade into the depths beneath a carpet of green duckweed. For more information visit the state park website.
Fossils for the Devil? The Devil’s Milllhopper got its name because of the many fossilized bones found in this sinkhole, which resembles the funnel-shaped hopper used in a gristmill. The story is that the bones were the remains of food fed to the devil.
Charge Up Your Fitbit! It’s a steep 232 steps to the bottom of the 120-foot sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. That means you’ll get credit for 12 stairs on your Fitbit, a bonus you won’t get on many hikes in Florida!4 – The Yearling Trail Sinkhole
The Yearling Trail Sinkhole. For varied scenery and history, the Yearling Trail sinkhole is the outstanding hike on this list. A variety of trail options at Pat’s Island in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness wander through what remains of a historic settlement that was the setting for Marjorie Rawling’s famous novel, The Yearling, as well as a movie of the same name. There’s a historic cemetery, old homestead sites, as well as a large sinkhole where the Long family collected water in the 1930s. Visit the Ocala National Forest website for details.[FBLikeBox]
5 – Falling Waters State Park
Falling Waters. The short nature walk at Falling Waters State Park leads to one of the most dramatic sinkholes in the state — and Florida’s tallest waterfall (so long as the rain cooperates). The waterfall cascades into a narrow 100-foot sinkhole, where it disappears into dark caverns below. Click for more information on Falling Waters. (Photo: Wilsilver77 / iStock)[Links]
(Why are there so many sinkholes in Florida? Check out this article in The Atlantic for more info.)
Unless otherwise attributed, photos are copyrighted by Michael Warren. All rights reserved.
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