Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, FL has azalea flowers, hiking trails and suspension bridges. With a combination of formal and natural gardens, this 146-acre park is a natural beauty. This was our first visit to Ravine Gardens State Park but it won’t be our last! We loved the winding pathways, steep stairways and suspension bridges found throughout the park. Some of the steep steps and pathways were a bit challenging but we really enjoyed the exercise.
We visited Ravine Gardens State Park in March while visiting the quaint town of Palatka, FL. It was the perfect time of year to see the azaleas in full bloom. Picnic tables with grills are available under a pavilion near the entrance of the park as well as throughout the gardens. The park is quiet, peaceful and great for photographers and bird watchers. Weddings, both indoor and outdoor, can be held at Ravine Gardens. What a beautiful setting this park would make for a wedding!
For informatin or to request a quote on weddings in the park contact 386-329-3721 or email RavineGardensReservation@FloridaDEP.gov. Two weeks advance notice is required for all rentals to allow for scheduling.
Check Booking.com for places to stay in the Palatka area.
History of Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is one of nine New Deal-era state parks in Florida. In January 1970, the Gardens were deeded to the Florida Internal Improvement Trust Fund and Ravine Gardens officially became a Florida State Park. In 1999, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is part of the Florida Azalea Festival, a two day event held on the first weekend in March of each year. The festival celebrates the arrival of the azalea flowers to the Palatka area.
Limestone terraces are connected by some of the original 1933-34 stone stairways to a height of 120 feet. Some are uneven and broken so if you take the stairway trail, please be careful.
At the bottom of the ravine are ponds, streams and ornamental plants, mainly azaleas that were planted during the development of the park back in 1933.
What to See and Do at Ravine Gardens State Park?
You’ll find plenty to see and do in Ravine Gardens State Park. There’s a spring-fed stream that runs along the bottom of the ravine. Children had fun playing in the water. Some had nets and were trying to catch the tiny fish in the water. Adults found walking in the stream fun too! And the park is a great place to take your dog for a walk.
Although known for its fabulous blooming azaleas, you’ll find the park is in bloom with beautiful flowers year round. There are 18 different species of azaleas growing in the park with the peak blooming time during February or March depending on the weather.
Miles of trails for hiking among the lovely gardens and 2 suspension bridges which span the ravines can be found throughout the park. A kids playground is also available in the park.
If the 2.5 mile Azalea Trail sounds like a bit too much, there’s also an easier trail you can walk along at the bottom of the ravine.
This trail follows the spring-fed stream which runs along a broad pathway in the woods through the park.
Explore the historic amphitheater found along one of the many trails. We didn’t have time to explore this trail but we have it on our list of things to do next time.
Park Drive Loop
A 1.8 mile loop drive through the park will take you to the top of the ravine and is available for cars, bikes and pedestrians. Drive the entire loop or you can park at designated areas for an overlook view or take the stairs down to the bottom of the ravine if you’d like. You’ll fine picnic tables as well as the children’s playground along this drive.
How Was The Ravine Created?
The ravine was created over thousands of years by erosion from natural springs that run through the park. The underground water from these springs bubbles up, cutting into the bank of the Whitewater Branch stream and carries sand and soil downstream into the St. Johns River.
Over thousands of years, the ravine have widened and deepened into the steep ravine you see today.
Where is Ravine Gardens State Park Located?
Ravine Gardens is located in northeast Florida in the town of Palatka.
Address:
1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177
Hours and Fees:
The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, including holidays.
The Ravine Loop Drive is open to vehicles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Admission:
An honor box is used to collect fees at the entrance. Correct change is required.
$5 per vehicle. Limit 2 to 8 per vehicle
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers
Park office:
The office can be reached by phone, 386-329-3721 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Have you been to Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka? Tell us about your visit there in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you!
