Hiking Cassadaga Fairy Trail

In 1894, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp was founded by George Colby along a lake and spring to the east of DeLand.

A community took shape, with careful thought to honoring the elements of nature surrounding them.

As a result, this postage-stamp community has many parks, some nestled between Victorian homes, others providing a place to rest along wooded glades and lakes.

Horseshoe Park sign next to historic home

Park and trail sign next to the library

At Horseshoe Park, just up the hill from Seneca Park and the Colby Memorial Temple, the Cassadaga Fairy Trail offers a unique take on a walk in the woods.

Adjoining the Slater House, home of the Reverend B. Anne Gehman Library, the Fairy Trail dates back to 2012. It was adjoined by a labyrinth seven years later.

The Big Chair

Those attuned to art will appreciate the blend of whimsy and beauty along this trail through a hardwood hammock.

Those attuned to nature and the spiritual realm may find healing, a sense of calm, rejuvenation, or, as we did, insight and inspiration along this walk.

You may come away with a different perspective

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Cassadaga
Length: 0.2 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.9648, -81.2382
Address: Corner Seneca & Chauncey St, Cassadaga
Fees: Free
Restroom: At nearby Colby-Alderman Park
Land manager: Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Phone: 386-228-3171

Open dawn to dusk. Please do not disturb or remove artwork.

Well-behaved leashed pets welcome. Dog owners, be aware that cats are always present.

Directions

From Interstate 4 exit 114, Howland Blvd in Deltona, follow SR 472 west towards DeLand. After a mile, turn right onto Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Beltway northbound. In 1.7 miles turn right on Cassadaga Rd. It leads due east, crossing over Interstate 4. As you enter Cassadaga, look for Chauncey St on the right. Follow it a block south to Seneca St. Parking is on the right just after the trail entrance and within sight of the labyrinth. If the parking area is full, there is a larger parking lot adjoining the Colby Memorial Temple at the other end of Seneca St., by Seneca Park.

Hike

While the Cassadaga Fairy Trail is a short walk, it is one you won’t want to rush through. It calls upon all of the senses.

Layer upon layer of rich detail awaits from the moment you step between the entrance gates and under the archway of vines.

Vine archway behind the 1890s park gates

A trail map sits beneath the trees on the right, where you’ll also find an interpretive panel on the elemental spirits connected to this place.

The start of the trail feels like a room, with a prominent sculpture at its center. Along the edges, examine the forest floor and the branches above.

Gnome and fairy houses on the forest floor

Look for details throughout the forest

Follow the trail downhill from this high spot. Expect to see cats, as a cathouse / feeding station sits in a clearing on the slope under the sea.

Side paths lead to vignettes where gnomes occupy homes. You pass by a troll village with houses in a row, a Cassadaga in miniature, as the trail continues downhill.

The Troll Village

At the next junction, turn right at the flower bed. Follow the path uphill through the forest, where we spotted bits of whimsy threaded through the trees.

Beyond a spot laden with spirits, a Christmas tree twirled in the breeze.

The Flower Bed

The trail reached a crest in a virtual toy land, a playful spill of childhood through the forest.

Another loop extends upward, but the main path slips down the long slope, with pauses for reflection along the way.

The Wings of the West, Fairy edition

At its base, another room, with a pair of fairy wings perfect for posing. The climb upward leads through a butterfly portal.

Passing the flower bed again, walk past the statuary under the trees. Stay right at the picnic tables to continue up to the gazebo and labyrinth.

The labyrinth, a place to reflect

A meditative walk in and out of this circle in the woods adds another tenth of a mile to the trail, should you care to take it on. A glider sits under the trees.

Climb upward from the labyrinth towards the parking area to slip around the upper corner of the upper room, where more visual delights await. Exit the way you came in.

Two white iron chairs and table with teapot under trees

Another corner for reflection

To extend your walk and get more of a sense of the historic district, park at either Colby Memorial Temple or Colby-Alderman Park and follow the route shown on our trail map.

In addition to having picnic tables, a boat ramp, and a pirate-themed playground, Colby-Alderman Park offers an extensive interpretive trail of its own.

The trail from Colby-Alderman Park emerges next to this log by Seneca Park

Starting at Colby-Alderman Park will net you a 0.6 mile round trip with some nice scenic views and elevation changes.

Starting at the Colby Memorial Temple provides a 0.4 mile round-trip.

A memorial to George Colby in bronze and brick — A memorial to George Colby in front of the Colby Memorial Temple

Trail Map

Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos of the Cassadaga Fairy Trail

Nearby Adventures

Long narrow boardwalk over marsh to pines

Audubon Park In 60 acres of green space that gently reclaims stormwater through a series of marshes, Audubon Park lets birders and hikers enjoy a quiet walk adjoining a beauty spot along the East Central Regional Rail Trail.

Lake Beresford Park Offering gentle trails for family fun and miles of paved bike paths to explore, Lake Beresford Park provides far more than just a peek at its namesake lake.

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