As fall arrives and leaves begin to rustle with that familiar October chill, the forests of Niagara take on a magical—sometimes mysterious—quality. Tucked into the Niagara Escarpment, Cave Springs Conservation Area offers more than just scenic beauty. From whispered legends of a “witch” to ancient Indigenous carvings etched into its rocky walls, this hidden corner of Niagara invites you to get lost in the haunted beauty of the season.
Let’s take a walk through the haunted history of Cave Springs—and the woman who became part of its myth.
The Woman Behind the Legend: Who Was Margaret Reed?
The nickname may sound spooky, but Margaret Reed was no witch—she was a fiercely passionate conservationist, author, and protector of the Cave Springs landscape.
Born in England in 1918, Reed moved to the Niagara region in the 1970s and found a deep connection to the escarpment terrain. She lived alone on the property for more than 30 years, spending her days living off the land, leading nature walks, writing local history books, and advocating for environmental preservation. Described by some as a “white-haired wisp of a woman,” she was known for sharing local stories with wide-eyed schoolchildren, often joking that she was a 300-year-old “good witch,” thanks to the “magical” spring water on site, which she fondly called a “fountain of youth.” Her passion and eccentricity helped cement her nickname, “the Witch of Cave Springs”—a title now used with reverence rather than fear.
Today, her legacy continues through the Friends of Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library & Cultural Center, an organization devoted to preserving her memory and promoting the same conservation values she held dear.
Sacred Spaces and Carved Histories
Beyond folklore, Cave Springs is also home to Indigenous petroglyphs and carvings etched into its rocky surfaces. While their exact origins remain a mystery, NPCA continues to protect and preserve these spaces in partnership with Indigenous communities and archaeologists. These markings serve as a powerful reminder that this landscape holds stories that span centuries and cultures.
Visitors are encouraged to observe, reflect, and approach these areas with care, as living archives of spiritual and historical meaning.
Sunset Hikes and Seasonal Chills
As dusk approaches and the shadows lengthen, Cave Springs transforms. The Ice Cave Trail loop and Carolinian Forest Trail offer a sensory-rich walking experience, especially in fall. Leaves crunch underfoot, the temperature drops near the caves, and wind rustles through the canopy like a whisper. It’s the kind of setting that stirs the imagination and invites reflection, making it a perfect place for an eerie, golden hour walk that connects past to present.
Get Lost in the Haunted Beauty of Niagara
Cave Springs is a place where natural wonder meets whispered legend. Whether you come for the history, the folklore, or the golden-hour views, this is one fall walk you won’t forget.
Looking to dive deeper into Niagara’s landscapes and legends? Explore Cave Springs Niagara and plan your next unforgettable fall walk here.