Ultimate Guide to Leon Sinks Geological Area, Florida (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Leon Sinks Geological Area is in a small corner of Apalachicola National Forest, the largest in Florida. The Leon Sinks is a perfect destination for a day hike with five miles of well-maintained trails. Many travel books have earmarked this place as a must-visit destination for every visitor because of the stunning topography.
The spot’s location also played a significant role in becoming so popular among the visitors. It is only 7 miles south of Tallahassee, and it offers picnicking areas and an interpretive center apart from the hiking trails. However, Leon Sinks is now closed to the public as the conditions of the boardwalk and the trail features have deteriorated.
History of Leon Sinks Geological Area
Leon Sinks Geological Area in the Apalachicola National Forest is a superb introduction to the wonders of Karst topography. Karst is a type of landscape that occurs through the deep erosion of soft rock (limestone) and leads to an unmatched visual treat. Several holes get created in the Karst that looks like Swiss cheese, and water flows in and out. Most of Florida’s water is within Karst, which means that there is no filtration as groundwaters seep into the limestone bedrock and flow from one point to another.
It was possible to take a glass-bottom boat across the Wakulla Springs many years ago, but it is impossible now. That clarity of the spring has taken a beating as nitrate-contaminated groundwater made its way to the Woodville Karst Plain. The Leon Sinks is the most important feature here and is one of the largest springs in the world.
Geological Cave Formations
The unique geology of Leon Sinks can be attributed to the layer of limestone that is present below the surface of the ground. As it is susceptible to erosion, the limestone layer gives way to water that flows from the natural springs and creates underground caverns, natural bridges, and sinkholes. The area is known to be an ideal example of Karst topography.
Wildlife in Leon Sinks Geological Area
Apart from the geography, the wildlife of Leon Sinks is another unique aspect here. One could see turtles padding through the water, deer in the woodlands, snakes, and salamanders in various nooks and corners of the forest. The cave system has various animals which are endemic. The Woodville Karst cave crayfish lives in the silt of the sinkholes and caves and the Florida Cave Isopod, which is another endemic crustacean.
Is Leon Sinks Geological Area Haunted?
Leon Sinks Geological Area is not haunted but is closed to the public.
How Big is Leon Sinks Geological Area?
Wakulla Cave System and Leon Sinks Cave System have been connected to form the longest underwater cave in the US at 51.48 km of surveyed passages.
Leon Sinks Geological Area Tours
You get a chance to witness karst topography at its finest as you walk through the terrain of almost 6 miles of hiking trails inside Leon Sinks Geological Area. The trails lead to a series of big and small sinkholes. Most of these sinkholes are connected through underwater caves.
There are both dry and wet sinkholes. The terrain has an underlying limestone, creating a landscape known as Karst topography. Apart from the sinkholes, the landscape has depressions and natural bridges.
The Wakulla-Leon Sinks cave system is the longest underwater cave in the US. The total length of explored cave passages stands at 51.48 km. Between the two entrances of the cave system, one can dive more than 11 km, and the distance between the two entrances is pegged at 15.3 km. The main highlight of the cave system is a room known as Black Abyss, which has a height of 49m.
Wakulla Leon Cave System has formed in the Woodville Karst Plain, an area rich in sinkholes, powerful springs, and submerged caves. The limestone found here was deposited in the mid-Cretaceous – late Oligocene times. The land here is a few meters above sea level, and caves go far below sea level, making them submerged.
Several sinkholes in Leon County are known as Leon Sinks, but not all sinkholes will lead you to the caves. Some of the passages have been silted up, but many are connected to the caves. The major Leon sinks are as below –
- Big Dismal – it is a wet sinkhole with a lake in it. The sinkhole is 30m up to the water level and another 30m below the water level. The entrance to the cave system is located at a depth of 25m.
- Black Gum – wet sinkhole
- Gator Sink – wet sinkhole
- Gopher Hole – dry sinkhole
- Gremlin Sink – wet sinkhole
- Hammock – wet sinkhole
- Turner Sink – wet sinkhole
It is to be remembered that exploration of the underwater caves is technically very demanding, and it has claimed many lives till now. It is important to know that although 51.48 km of passages have been discovered, not all have been explored yet.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There is an entrance charge of USD 5. However, Leon Sinks is now temporarily closed.
Is Leon Sinks Geological Area Cold?
The summer months are usually hot, but the average winter temperature is around 59 degrees F.
What to Wear?
You can wear loose shirts, T-shirts, shorts, or track pants for the hiking trails. But the most crucial part is the footwear, and it needs to be hiking shoes or, at least, tennis shoes.
Leon Sinks Geological Area Hours
- April 1 to September 30 – 8 am to 8 pm
- October 1 to March 31 – 8 am to 6 pm
What to Do at Leon Sinks Geological Area (Beside Tours)
Since the site is a short distance away from the metro city of Tallahassee, there are options for food, activities, and attractions. Since Leon Sinks is closed to the public now, you can check out the museums, historic homes, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants within a short driving distance from the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Leon Sinks is the Fall season, but people prefer to come here any time of the year.
How to Get to Leon Sinks Geological Area
When coming from Tallahassee, you need to take US 319 and drive south about 7 miles. Then you take a right turn when you see the sign for Leon Sinks Geological Area.
Hotels Nearby
Camping is not permitted in Leon Sinks, but campgrounds and lodging are available nearby. The closest option would be the Historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, 9 miles from Leon Sinks. It has 27 guest rooms with all modern amenities.
Leon Sinks Geological Area Fun Facts
- The Leon Sinks is one of the largest springs in the world.
- In 1955, only 355m of long passages were explored.
- Big Dismal, the most oversized sink on the trail, extends more than 130 ft down to the aquifer.
- Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System is the longest underwater cave in the US.
Leon Sinks Geological Area Details
- Length: 51.48 km of surveyed passages
- Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fees: USD 5 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 am to 8 pm (April 1 to Sept 30), 8 am to 6 pm (October 1 to March 31)
Visiting Leon Sinks Geological Area
Do you need more information before visiting? You can fill up the online form of the Leon Sinks for an information packet.
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