Sinkhole
Big Dismal Sink
A large sinkhole in the Leon Sinks Geological Area of the Apalachicola National Forest and part of the Wakulla-Leon Sinks cave system; swimming is prohibited and recreational diving access has been restricted since 1987.
Big Dismal Sink lies along the trails of the Leon Sinks Geological Area, a Forest Service site south of Tallahassee where visitors walk past wet sinkholes, a natural bridge and a disappearing stream. Underwater, the sink is part of the Leon Sinks cave network: in June 1996 WKPP divers connected it to Cheryl Sink, and in 2007 the Leon Sinks caves were proven to connect with Wakulla Spring.
According to WKPP's history, diving access was restricted after Big Dismal, Little Dismal and nearby sinks were included in the Leon Sinks Geological Area in 1987. The Forest Service prohibits swimming in the area to protect the sinkhole walls and for visitor safety. Visitors can view the sinks from the trail system.
The environment
A large sinkhole in the Woodville Karst Plain connecting to deep cave passages; no published dive measurements.
Facilities
Trail system (Sinkhole Trail 3.6 miles, Gum Swamp Trail 2.8 miles); restrooms listed by the Forest Service.
Other entrances to Wakulla-Leon Sinks cave system
Every fact on this page, with its source (8)
| Fact | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming is not allowed in the Leon Sinks Geological Area, for the preservation of the sinkhole walls and personal safety.The Forest Service page does not mention diving. | Verified | [1] |
| In 1987 Big Dismal, Little Dismal and nearby sinks became part of the Leon Sinks Geological Area, which restricted diving access.From WKPP's history page; the current Forest Service diving policy was not found. | Reported | [2] |
| On 1996-06-01 WKPP divers connected Big Dismal Sink to upstream Cheryl Sink. | Verified | [3] |
| In December 2007 the Leon Sinks and Wakulla Springs caves were shown to be one system by a traverse from Turner Sink to Wakulla Spring. | Verified | [4] |
| The Forest Service charges $5 per vehicle and accepts America the Beautiful and Every Kid Outdoors passes.Read 2026-10-14. | Verified | [1] |
| Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April 1 to September 30 and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 1 to March 31.The page warns the site may close without notice for construction or safety. | Verified | [1] |
| The Sinkhole Trail is 3.6 miles and the Gum Swamp Trail 2.8 miles. | Verified | [1] |
| Swimming is not allowed in the Leon Sinks Geological Area; the Forest Service page publishes no diving information. | Verified | [1] |
Verified: stated by an official or primary source we opened. Reported: from a secondary source only. Sources conflict: the note gives both versions. May be out of date: the newest source we found is old.
Written in our own words from the sources above. Report a correction