About this spot
Finding Devil's Hole requires insider knowledge or connections. The journey begins by heading east on State Road 20, passing ongoing construction work, a gas station, and the town of Hawthorne—remember the Burger Barn as a landmark for the return route. Continue toward Interlachen and into Putnam County, traveling farther than expected. Watch for a partially hidden billboard advertising chicken and fritters, then cross CR 21. From that intersection, drive 1.8 miles more with Cowpen Lake visible on the right side. Turn left onto Lake Galilee Drive (not Galilee Shore Drive) and proceed 150 yards past two mobile homes before spotting parked trucks indicating the entrance. Avoid getting stuck in the dirt road. During peak season, the spot attracts significant crowds, drawing visitors from surrounding communities including Jacksonville. Summer conditions have brought challenges: heavy rains have submerged the lower ladder rungs and raised water levels to reduce the main jump from 54 feet to approximately 42 feet. Water clarity varies seasonally, sometimes appearing dark cyan as minerals leach from stone. A homemade ladder provides access down the sinkhole walls. Local observers report the site's mysterious reputation stems from persistent rumors. Stories circulate about individuals attempting to measure the depths with cable and equipment, only to find them insufficient. Accounts describe vehicles—stripped cars, motorcycles, a bus, and other items—allegedly discarded into the spring waters over the years, along with other objects. The general consensus among regulars is that the sinkhole's depth remains unknowable.