Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
Explore the crumbling ruins of a 19th-century plantation, a hidden historical gem reclaimed by Florida's wild nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier hiking, fewer bugs
Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
Best Time
Easier hiking, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the crumbling ruins of a 19th-century plantation, a hidden historical gem reclaimed by Florida's wild nature.
"This journey is for serious hikers, it's a machete your way through the underbrush type hike."
Wear Long Clothing
Protect yourself from ticks, insects, and underbrush. Long pants and sleeves are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders are abundant. Pack strong repellent to make your hike more comfortable. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Addison Blockhouse Ruins
Deep within the park's underbrush
Crumbling 19th-century plantation ruins, a testament to Florida's past, now reclaimed by nature.
Flatwood Forest
Surrounding the ruins
Explore the unique flatwood ecosystem, a serene natural landscape dotted with historic remnants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Ruins
Prepare for the Wilderness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Long Clothing
Protect yourself from ticks, insects, and underbrush. Long pants and sleeves are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders are abundant. Pack strong repellent to make your hike more comfortable. :bug:
Use GPS Navigation
There are no marked trails. A GPS device or app is crucial for finding the ruins and navigating back. :iphone:
Check Weather Forecast
Avoid visiting during or after heavy rain, as swampy conditions can make the hike treacherous. :cloud_rain:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Long Clothing
Protect yourself from ticks, insects, and underbrush. Long pants and sleeves are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders are abundant. Pack strong repellent to make your hike more comfortable. :bug:
Use GPS Navigation
There are no marked trails. A GPS device or app is crucial for finding the ruins and navigating back. :iphone:
Check Weather Forecast
Avoid visiting during or after heavy rain, as swampy conditions can make the hike treacherous. :cloud_rain:
Hike with a Buddy
For safety, it's recommended to explore with at least one other person. :bustsinsilhouette:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While the Addison Blockhouse offers a unique historical site and a wild natural setting, its accessibility is a major drawback. Visitors often find the ruins overgrown and difficult to reach, with no official trails or parking, leading to a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. The lack of maintenance and potential for encountering wildlife and insects are significant considerations.
"Loved this place. The spiritual energy is just incredible"
PB B
"This is sort of misleading, although the area is protected as a state park, there really isn't a "park" to visit. Alot of the pictures show the loop road which is beautiful but goes no where near the historic ruins, or they show the fishing pond at the residential Ormond lakes housing development which is loosely a good place to park IF one wanted to hike out to the ruins. There is NO official parking or trail head that goes to the ruins. There is an over grown service road for like firetrucks in case of a forest fire, that goes generally in the direction of the ruins but the ruins themselves are buried in underbrush and unkept, and crumbling from multiple hurricanes with no state funding to protect them. (The one picture of the ruins that looks mildly interesting is probably about 10 years old. I last saw the ruins about 5 or 6 years ago and you could hardly see the brick work through the vines)
The Ormond lakes housing development couldn't extend into the woods once the ruins were discovered but since then it's been crumbling not too much left to see. The last time my family (who lives in the development) managed to locate the trail and find the ruins, it was buried in underbrush covered in snakes (they like to bask on the hot stones) and we returned home with literally hundreds of ticks buried into the fabric weaves of our Jeans and vowed never to return.
This journey is for serious hikers, it's a machete your way through the underbrush type hike, with enough deat to bathe in, long pants, long sleved shirts, no trail, no map, (literally GPS location available, map & compass style NO TRAIL) and possible run-ins with wild boar, deer, turkeys, fox/coyotes (no ones sure which) swamp land if you make a wrong turn or go during a rainy season, which could mean gators.
Also bob cats, Florida panthers and Reese monkeys have been spotted occasionally in people's back yards of the development that butt up against the forest.
And of course Hundreds of smaller threats like MISQUITOS, TICKS, SPIDERS AND SNAKES! I cannot stress these enough"
Destiny Wolf
"Ormond lakes subdivisions greed has stole this history from us.Its a state park with a state park sign once you get out there.Its a tough hike thru swamp.The orginal dirt road that was once easy to use is now blocked by that development. Surprised the state,county, or city didn't try to save it."
Brian & Amber Buchanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing the park and its historic ruins is not straightforward. There's no official entrance or marked trail. Some visitors report needing to hike through overgrown areas, and one review mentioned the entrance being blocked by a subdivision. It's advised to use GPS for navigation and be prepared for a rugged hike.
According to visitor feedback, there is no designated official parking for the historic ruins. Some suggest parking near the Ormond Lakes housing development, but this may involve trespassing.
Driving directly to the ruins is generally not possible due to the lack of marked roads and the overgrown nature of the terrain. It's primarily a hiking destination.
Given the absence of trails, a GPS device or a reliable navigation app on your phone is highly recommended to guide you to the ruins.
While it's a state park, visitor accounts suggest that finding the actual ruins can be difficult, with one mention of a state park sign once you get out there, but no clear path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of ticket requirements for Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park. However, the lack of official infrastructure means entry is more about navigating the natural terrain.
Official operating hours are not clearly defined due to the park's undeveloped nature. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety.
No entrance fee is typically associated with this state park, but the challenge lies in accessing the ruins themselves.
This is a significant concern for visitors. Some reviews indicate that accessing the ruins may require navigating through private property or areas not officially designated for public access.
Reviews suggest the ruins are unkept and buried in underbrush, with no state funding for protection or maintenance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the crumbling ruins of a 19th-century plantation. The surrounding area features flatwood forests, but the ruins themselves are often overgrown and difficult to access.
No, it is not. The terrain is challenging, with dense underbrush and no marked trails, making it a hike for serious adventurers rather than a casual stroll.
Visitors have reported seeing snakes, wild boar, deer, turkeys, foxes, coyotes, and potentially alligators in swampy areas. Bobcats and Florida panthers have also been spotted in the vicinity.
There are no official facilities such as restrooms or picnic areas mentioned in visitor accounts. It's a wild, undeveloped area.
The time required depends on your hiking pace and ability to navigate. It can take a significant amount of time to reach the ruins and return, especially if you're bushwhacking.
📸 📸 Photography
The overgrown ruins can offer a unique, atmospheric subject for photographers interested in historical decay and nature's reclamation. However, access and visibility of the ruins can be challenging.
Focus on capturing the texture of the crumbling brickwork against the dense foliage. The surrounding flatwood forest also offers scenic natural shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ruins and the forest.
A wide-angle lens might be useful for capturing the ruins within their environment, and a sturdy tripod could help with low-light conditions in the dense forest.
Yes, the same safety concerns apply: uneven terrain, wildlife, and insects. Ensure you are well-prepared and aware of your surroundings while taking photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is seeking outdoor adventure, consider more accessible state parks in the Volusia County area that offer designated trails, playgrounds, and safer environments for children.
🚶 Adventurous Hikers
Ensure you have ample water, insect repellent, and a fully charged GPS device. The reward is discovering a piece of history in a raw, untamed natural setting. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Addison Blockhouse
Unfortunately, the historical integrity of the blockhouse is under threat. Reviews indicate that the ruins are unkept, buried in underbrush, and crumbling due to hurricanes, with a lack of state funding for preservation efforts. This makes experiencing its historical context a difficult endeavor for visitors.
Despite the decay, the ruins offer a unique glimpse into a bygone era. For those willing to undertake the challenging hike, the Addison Blockhouse provides a tangible connection to Florida's past, set against the backdrop of its wild, natural beauty.
Navigating the Wilderness
The terrain can be challenging, involving dense underbrush, swampy areas, and uneven ground. It's crucial to wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and sleeves, to protect against insects, ticks, and scratches. Sturdy hiking boots are also essential for navigating the rough terrain.
Wildlife is a significant factor to consider. Visitors have reported encounters with snakes, wild boar, and various other animals. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and consider hiking with a companion for added safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit