Devil's Den, a boulder-strewn hill on the south end of Houck's Ridge, was once the backdrop for intense carnage brought about by artillery and infantry fighting on the second day of the battle. On July 2, 1863, more than 5,000 soldiers from nine states fought a bloody battle at, arguably, Gettysburg's strangest place.
The most famous place known as Devil's Den is a prehistoric "karst window" or underground spring located near Williston, Florida. It is a privately owned SCUBA diving and snorkeling site consisting of a subterranean river inside a dry cave. The site earned its name because, on cold winter mornings, steam rises from the cave's chimney-like opening (the "karst window"), making it look like smoke billowing from the underworld. The water remains a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round. Beyond Florida, "Devil's Den" is also the name of a famous rock formation at the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, which saw intense fighting during the American Civil War. In 2026, the Florida location is a "bucket list" spot for underwater photographers due to the stunning light beams that pierce through the cave opening into the crystal-clear water. Note that the Florida site is for snorkeling and diving only; general swimming is not permitted to preserve the ancient rock formations and fossils found within.
All caves on public lands in Arkansas are closed to the public. This is in response to the threat of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that affects bats. We are home to different species of endangered bats and as stewards of the public lands, it is our responsibility to protect those species.