The state added 1,218.9 acres to the natural area and plans about 10 miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching.
Texas added 1,218.9 acres to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, bringing it to 3,078.6 acres. The tract was once part of Whitworth Ranch. The state acquired the original preserve land in 1985.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans about 10 miles of trails in the coming years for hiking, nature walks and birdwatching. Access to the sinkhole itself remains limited to guided tours. Preliminary long-term plans include a headquarters building, maintenance area and possible overnight opportunities.
The site is about six miles northeast of Rocksprings. Indigenous people knew the sinkhole before settlers arrived and likely used the area seasonally for hunting and gathering. The site became a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
The cavern descends about 350 feet and is home to more than three million Mexican free-tailed bats in summer. Visitors cannot enter. Funding for the acquisition included the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and revenue from Texas’ sporting-goods sales tax.