Chipley Park surrounds Lake DeFuniak, a natural spring-fed lake. The park is also known locally as Three Circle Park, a nickname that seems especially fitting.
Renowned for its remarkable shape, Lake DeFuniak is considered to be one of the most perfect circular lakes in the world.
A mile sidewalk circles close to the water’s edge. As the lake has no outlet, water levels can rise after periods of heavy rainfall and flood portions of the path.
A wider 1.25-mile accessible walkway follows a higher route near the street.
Lake DeFuniak (Sandra Friend)The two connect as a network of brick and paved walkways, allowing visitors to move easily between them. Our route combines them for variety.
From above, the interconnected paths create the appearance of a spider’s web radiating outward from the lake.
Surrounding the park is Circle Drive, where visitors can explore the area’s rich history through a self-guided walking tour.
Junction of sidewalksDuring the late nineteenth century, the grounds served as the center of the Florida Chautauqua, part of a nationwide adult education movement.
Mirroring the original assembly on Lake Chautauqua in New York, it brought prominent speakers, educators, writers, musicians, and performers to DeFuniak Springs.
One of the most successful of its time, it operated from 1885 to 1927. Admission to the grounds required a fee, and many visitors arrived by train at the nearby depot.
Train depotThe success of the first assembly ensured the sale of lots around the lake to affluent visitors who built elegant Victorian-era homes.
Platted as an educational campus, the design of the neighborhood and Chipley Park reflect the influence of landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmstead.
The Octagon House (Sandra Friend)Many of these residences remain today, preserving the character of one of Florida’s most distinctive historic communities.
It is recognized as one of Florida’s earliest planned residential communities, reflecting the city’s unique origins.
Revived in 1993, the Florida Chautauqua continues to offer its blend of educational, arts, and inspirational programs at its historic campus each winter.
Lake view from the Hall of Brotherhood (John Keatley)Resources
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Overview
Location: DeFuniak Springs
Length: 1.6 miles
Trailhead: 30.717167, -86.116056
Address: 95 Circle Dr, DeFuniak Springs
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Various Locations including the DeFuniak Springs Visitors Bureau and the Walton-DeFuniak Public Library
Land manager: City of DeFuniak Springs
Phone: 850-892-8500
Open dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs welcome.
Although this hike begins at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, the official self-guided walking tour begins at the Train Depot. Stop there first for maps and historical information for the sites encountered along the route.
Directions
From Interstate 10 south of DeFuniak Springs, head north on US 331 for 1.7 miles before turning right onto Live Oak Ave. In 0.3 mile, make a right onto Circle Dr, where parking is available in front of the Chautauqua Building and alongside the street.
Hike
Begin your walk in front of the two-story Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, intentionally built to resemble a wooden version of the United States Capitol.
It features a central dome and a distinctive bell-shaped cupola with flared eaves known as the “Lantern of Religious Trust.”
Chautauqua Hall of BrotherhoodFrom the Hall of Brotherhood, follow an inviting brick pathway beneath a canopy of pines and oaks.
A multi-level fountain provides a peaceful focal point, with wishes visible beneath the water’s surface.
FountainThis path connects to one of several walkways linking the inner and outer circles surrounding the lake.
A smaller brick path branches off toward a covered gazebo, while the main route continues toward the waterfront.
GazeboHeaded counterclockwise around the lake, the landscape becomes more open with fewer shade trees.
To the left, atop the bank, sits a playground accompanied by several benches. Near the shoreline are two illuminated 100-foot fishing piers, each featuring a covered gazebo.
Fishing is permitted from both piers and along the banks of Lake DeFuniak.
However, the turtles and ducks seems to be quite habituated as they made their way over once they saw us coming.
Fishing pierFrom the fishing pier, a connecting sidewalk leads back beneath the tree canopy to Circle Drive.
Along this stretch, interpretive signs from the self-guided walking tour share the history of both the Pansy Cottage and Dream Cottage.
Built in 1885, these neighboring homes were associated with prominent members of the Florida Chautauqua community.
Both owners were accomplished writers and influential figures within the Chautauqua movement.
Pansy CottageContinuing counterclockwise around the lake, visitors can alternate between the lakeside paths and Circle Drive.
One of the most distinctive features of the walk is the variety of historic architecture.
Grand Victorian homes with expansive wraparound porches stand alongside modest brick cottages, reflecting the community’s evolution over more than a century.
Classic architecture in the historic districtDirectly across the lake from the first pier, you will find its twin. During our visit, divers were in the water with metal detectors looking for items left behind.
Swimming in the lake has been allowed since 2021, following a 57-year closure to evade federal desegregation laws.
Divers at the eastern pierContinuing along Circle Drive, pass the First Presbyterian Church. Established in 1883, the congregation occupied several locations before settling here in 1890.
The original church was constructed using bricks donated by Frederick R. DeFuniak, the civil engineer and railroad executive for whom the city was named.
As the congregation grew, the original structure was replaced. The building standing today was completed in 1923, featuring a blend of Greek Revival and Romanesque Revival architectural styles.
First Presbyterian ChurchThe Train Depot serves as the official starting point for the self-guided walking tour.
Today, the restored depot houses the Walton County Heritage Museum, where a bright red caboose stands on display nearby.
Adjacent to the depot is the DeFuniak Springs Visitor Center with public restrooms, a decorative fountain, and an information kiosk containing maps and details about the walking tour.
Walking Tour SignageContinuing along Circle Drive past an amphitheater occupying the grassy lawn between the road and the lake.
Nearby interpretive displays feature photographs of the tented classrooms used by early Chautauqua visitors.
As the route turns toward the lakeshore, an interpretive sign highlights the Florida Trail.
Although the Florida National Scenic Trail does not pass directly through the city, DeFuniak Springs is recognized as one of its designated Gateway Communities.
Florida Trail signOne of the most unique stops is the Walton-DeFuniak Library, recognized as Florida’s oldest continuously operating library.
This charming two-story building also houses the Bruce Family Weapons Collection, featuring nearly 100 pieces of antique armor and weaponry from around the world, including medieval battle axes, Japanese firearms, and Polynesian spears.
Outside, a butterfly garden, part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, provides a peaceful place to pause before completing the loop at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.
Walton-DeFuniak LibraryTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Chipley Park
Slideshow
See our photos from Chipley Park
Nearby Adventures
Shoal River Headwaters State Park Opened to the public in January 2026, Florida’s 176th state park offers miles of wide multiuse trails alongside Gum Creek, a tributary to the Shoal River.
Florida Trail, Alaqua 12.8 miles. With significant botanical beauty, rugged climbs, and nice campsites, the Alaqua section of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base is one of the most scenic parts of the trail statewide.
Florida Trail, Catface 14.2 miles. Climbing to the highest elevations along the Florida Trail, the challenging Catface section traverses hilly terrain along the northern edge of Eglin Air Force Base.
Lakewood Park Scale the lofty heights of Florida in the rolling rural ridges north of DeFuniak Springs at a Walton County park atop Britton Hill, Florida's high point at 345 feet.
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- Econfina Blue Spring - July 15, 2026
- Chipley Park - June 29, 2026