The above coordinates will take you to the Leon Sinks Geological Area trail head. All waypoints are located on the Sinkhole (Blue Blaze) or Crossover (White Blaze) trail. It is about a 3½ mile hike around the area. There is a $5.00 fee to enter the Leon Sinks Geological Area. Help maintain the beauty of Leon Sinks by packing out litter and staying out of the sinkholes. The site is open April 1-Sept. 30 8am-8pm, Oct. 1-Mar. 31 8am-6pm.Because this is an environmentally sensitive area please show respect by remaining on established trails and observe, but do not disturb or collect natural features. There is no physical cache at this location, you must complete the requirements listed below.
Welcome to the fascinating world of karst. The term is applied to terrain that rain and groundwater have changed by dissolving underlying limestone bedrock. The porous limestone bedrock was formed long ago from ancient coral reefs and shell deposits. Rain and groundwater have dissolved the limestone to form sinkholes, swales and underground caverns.
The Leon Sinks Geological Area is located in southern and southwestern Leon County, Florida, United States. It's a mature karstic area on the Upper Floridan Aquifer. It has one of the most extensive underwater cave systems in the world and connects to Wakulla Springs. The area contains several wet and dry sinkholes, numerous depressions, a natural bridge, and a disappearing stream accessed by three trails.
Allow time for a leisurely stroll in this unique natural showcase. Mornings and early evenings are best for observing and photographing wildlife. Bring your camera, binoculars, and insect repellent. Since hunting and the possession of weapons are prohibited here, wildlife may be seen more frequently. The trails are the work of many volunteers who gave their time so that everyone may enjoy easy access to these unusual geological formations. You can help protect the area by staying on the trail. Swimming is not allowed for the preservation of sinkhole walls and your personal safety.
The underlying limestone rock in this area is a sedimentary rock formed in the ocean hundreds of thousands of years ago. Limestone can be eroded by physical weathering as well as chemical weathering if it is exposed to acidic water. The Woodville Karst Plain is a unique geologic region that extends south of the City of Tallahassee to the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the limestone aquifer is very shallow. The landscape features numerous sinkholes, springs, open "windows" in the limestone that expose groundwater at the land's surface and miles of unseen caves and tunnels. Extensive mapping and exploration of these caves has been done by the Woodville Karst Plain Project to understand the complex dynamics of the area and to understand the proper ecological approach to keeping this system clean. Wakulla Spring is the largest, single spring in the Woodville Karst Plain. The water filled caves beneath your feet are a secret home for some unusual creatures, including the cave crayfish, freshwater eel, and rare amphipods that may exist only in the Woodville Karst Plain.
To log this cache locate and identify six unique Karst features along the Leon Sinks Geological Area trail. Navigate to the six waypoints listed below and answer the following questions for EACH waypoint.
Field Observations/Measurements/Data
1. Does it have an opening? (Y/N)
2. Is limestone rock visible? (Y/N)
3. Shape of opening, if present
4. Is water visible in the feature? (Y/N)
5. If water is visible, is it moving or not?
6. If water is moving, what direction: in, out, or through?
To claim credit for this earthcache email your answers to the questions to the email address on my profile. Please DO NOT post your answers in your log, even if encrypted.
Sources: United States Department of Agriculture – Apalachicola National Forest, State of Florida - Department of Environmental Protection and FloridaSprings.Org