Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park is a U.S. National Natural Landmark and features a limestone sinkhole that is 120 feet deep with a small rain forest at its center. Visitors to the Devils Millhopper Geological State Park can enjoy a nature trail the circles the rim of the sinkhole or follow a wooden boardwalk down into the central cavity where many prehistoric fossils have been found. Tree frogs and exotic birds are often seen along the trail and colorful orchids and swamp chestnut oaks are abundant here. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guided ranger tours are available every Saturday.
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville, FL 32653
(352) 955-2008
floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a converted railroad line that has been paved for use by walkers and bikers. The trail runs sixteen miles between Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park to the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and passes through the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. There are many sinkholes along the trail as well as ample opportunities for viewing hawks, alligators and turtles. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park at the trail's far end is another U.S. National Natural Landmark that features over 20,000 acres of hiking, biking and wildlife viewing activities and has several campsites that can be reserved ahead of time.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
3400 SE 15 St.
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 466-3397
floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is located just four miles outside of Gainesville but feels like millions of miles from civilization. The park has 6,900 acres of land that include one of the last remaining mature forests in all of Florida as well as many sinkholes, ponds and small lakes. Bikes are allowed in part of the park but a full two thirds is reserved for hiking only and it is here that you may catch a glimpse of the elusive bobcat, wild turkey or white tailed deer.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
12720 NW 109 Lane
Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 462-7905
floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock
Article Written By Vincent Madrone
Based in San Francisco, Vincent Madrone is a professional freelance travel writer and voiceover artist. He has written extensively for online and print publications, including USA Today Travel Tips, A to Z World Travel and Viva Travel Guides. Madrone also writes health-related articles for various online publications.
