Texas has added 1,218.9 acres to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, expanding the site to 3,078.6 acres, as per Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) release.The newly acquired land was once part of the historic Whitworth Ranch, which was divided when the state acquired the original natural area property in 1985. The expansion is expected to give visitors more ways to explore the landscape around the Devil’s Sinkhole, which is currently accessible only through guided tours.Located about six miles northeast of Rocksprings in Edwards County, the natural area is about an hour west of Kerrville and 45 minutes south of Junction.
From Whitworth Ranch to a 3,000-acre natural area
The latest acquisition brings another section of the former Whitworth Ranch into the state natural area.The Whitworth family had deep ties to the Rocksprings community. Clarence and Katherine Nicholson Whitworth operated the ranch, with Clarence involved in Angora goat and livestock production and local government. Katherine taught English at the local high school and was an artist and advocate for the arts.The property also has a history that predates the ranching era. Archaeological evidence indicates Native peoples knew of Devil’s Sinkhole long before American settlers arrived in the area. They likely used the site seasonally for hunting and gathering and collected chert for stone tools.Local lore credits Ammon Billings with giving the sinkhole its name after visiting it in 1867.Devil’s Sinkhole became a registered National Natural Landmark in 1971.Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said the newly reunited sections of the former ranch will help expand interpretation of the site’s natural and cultural history.
New trails to open up Devil’s Sinkhole
The new tract is expected to bring a major change in how visitors can experience the natural area.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans to develop around 10 miles of trails over the next few years. The trails will provide hiking opportunities, nature walks and birdwatching, while allowing visitors to explore the property on their own rather than only through a guided tour.Long-term plans for the property also tentatively include a headquarters building, a maintenance area and overnight opportunities.The area’s remote setting could also make it attractive to stargazers. Officials said the additional protected land will provide more space to view the night sky away from city lights.The full plans for the new tract are expected to be announced later.
Millions of bats and a 350-foot cavern
The Devil’s Sinkhole itself remains the central feature of the natural area.The opening is about 50 feet wide and 140 feet deep and leads to a cavern extending roughly 350 feet underground. Visitors are not allowed inside.The cavern is home to more than 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats, making it one of the largest colonies of the species in Texas.The latest land acquisition was supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and revenue from Texas’ sporting goods sales tax. In 2016, Texas voters dedicated 94% of state sales tax revenue from sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in perpetuity.That funding has supported land acquisitions, park facilities, and improvements to existing facilities and operations across the state.
