Tucked away on the outskirts of Texas Hill Country, the ominously-named Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is two destinations in one: a geological wonder and a place to witness a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. As dusk creeps in, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats shoot out of the massive sinkhole, forming a twisting tornado of nocturnal hunters that moves like a living river across the dusty sky. Adding to the chaos, around 4,000 swallows sweep into the cave as the bats vacate the cool depths.
Gazing into the hole's abyss, it's easy to see why early explorers called it "The outlet to hell" and "The devil's own sinkhole."Measuring 65 feet in diameter and at least 350 feet deep, the cavern formed over the course of thousands of years. Acidic rainwater seeped into the porous rock, slowly eating away at the limestone. Eventually, the cavern's ceiling caved in, leaving behind the massive sinkhole you find today. The park is situated just outside Rocksprings, Texas, and is about a 2-hour drive from San Antonio, the iconic city with the highest amount of free things to do in America.
The best time to visit Devil's Sinkhole is between May and October when the bats take up their summer residence in Texas. Mother bats give birth to pups around June, and, in only four or five weeks, the young are strong enough to forage and fly on their own. This means the colonies are significantly larger during this time, making the end of summer peak bat-spotting season.
Read more: The 5 Most Alligator-Filled Destinations In All Of Florida
How To See Bats At Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
The only way to see bats at Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is by booking a guided tour through the Devil's Sinkhole Society at the Devil's Sinkhole Visitor Center. Situated in Rocksprings, the center runs educational tours during the evenings between Wednesday and Sunday. Here, visitors learn about the history of the sinkhole and the bats' ecological significance. Not only do these tiny critters create a fascinating spectacle, but each bat eats up to two-thirds of its body weight per night, saving local farmers from crop-munching pests.
Visitors aren't allowed to descend into the sinkhole, but the viewing platform at the rim offers a prime spot for peering into the darkness. It's also important to keep in mind that bats are wild animals who follow their own schedules. While it's likely you'll see many bats during your visit, you can't be sure of the exact numbers or timing.
The Devil's Sinkhole Society is staffed by professionals who know how to adjust their tours depending on bat behavior, though. "Even though it was not peak season and there were not a lot of bats out, our guide made it a wonderful, educational, and fun evening," shared one reviewer on TripAdvisor.
Things To Know Before Visiting Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
Tour guides will provide instructions on proper bat-watching etiquette, but there are a few things you should know before your trip to Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area. Never touch or make contact with the bats. They aren't pets and could bite if they feel threatened. Like raccoons, foxes, and other mammals, bats can carry rabies, a rare yet almost always lethal disease. Second, don't shine flashlights at the bats or take photos or videos with flash. The sudden, bright light may cause the bats to change their routes or become disoriented. It's also important to keep your voice down, as loud sounds may also cause the bats to alter their flight paths.
While Texas may be known for cowboy culture and barbeque spreads, it's also a top spot for bat migration. If you get hooked on bat safaris, there are plenty of places in the Lone Star to explore. Unlike the gray bats hidden in a mystical cave along the Tennessee River, the nocturnal fliers at Kickapoo Cavern State Park are only an hour's drive away from Devil's Sinkhole. At around the same time Mexican free-tailed bats descend upon the sinkhole, they also arrive at Kickapoo Cavern's Stuart Bat Cave. Although you'll see thousands instead of millions of bats here, the park does offer a wider range of activities, including camping and guided cave tours through 105-million-year limestone. The caverns are smaller than the impressive caves at Mammoth National Park in Kentucky, but the tours are capped at 10 people, creating a more intimate experience.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
