Florida by Land: Explore Geological Wonders
Visit caverns, sinkholes, and other often rare and unexpected wild spaces in Florida.
To see how Florida was formed—and continues to be shaped—by forces of water and wind, visit caverns, sinkholes, and other often rare and unexpected wild spaces. Whether underground or hiding in plain sight, these natural ecological treasures provide opportunities for exploration and a living link to the past.
Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies are hidden beneath the surface of Florida Caverns State Park. This is the only state park in Florida offering public cave tours (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). “Florida Caverns is a geological wonderland,” says park manager Chris Hawthorne. “Karst topography underlines the park, an array of formations can be viewed in the cave, and the park’s buildings feature limestone hand-carved by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression."
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville
It’s 232 steps down to the bottom (and 232 back up to the top) of Devil’s Millhopper, a 120-foot-deep limestone sinkhole. Preserved within the walls of this bowl-shaped cavity is a geologic record of central Florida’s past. Marine animal shells in lower layers are remnants of an ancient sea, and the fossilized bones and teeth of extinct animals have been found at the base. If the hike back in time is too strenuous, stay at the top and see views of the bottom in the Visitor Center. Afterward, walk the half-mile nature trail circling the sinkhole rim. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Coastal Dune Lakes, Walton County
Drive Scenic 30A along the Walton County coast and you’ll be treated to a rare sight: 15 coastal dune lakes, the highest concentration in the world. The shallow lakes, which have been identified as globally rare, are surrounded by white-sand dunes (up to 30 feet high). Although a sand embankment separates the mostly freshwater lakes from the saltwater Gulf of Mexico, the two do mix intermittently. Outflows of lake water into the Gulf result in inflows of salt water into the lake. Get an up-close view of the lakes—and of ospreys, great blue herons, bald eagles, and other wildlife—by hiking the dune walkways at four state parks: Camp Helen, Grayton Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve, and Deer Lake.
TRAVEL TIPS
When to Go: Florida Caverns State Park opens at 8 a.m. Cave tours can sell out (no advance ticket sales), so morning visits are best. Before heading to the park, call the ranger station (850-482-1228) to see if tours still are available for that day.
Fun Fact: The Devil’s Millhopper earned its name from the fossilized animal remains found at the bottom of the sinkhole. According to local legend, the sink fed bodies to the devil in the same way a funnel-shaped hopper fed grain into a gristmill grinder.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
Environment
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
History & Culture
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
- The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
- Heard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followersHeard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followers
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?
Travel
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
- Is this small English town Yorkshire's culinary capital?Is this small English town Yorkshire's culinary capital?
- Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood ForestFollow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
- This chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new directionThis chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new direction