Ravine Gardens State Park — Attraction in Palatka

We were heading to a different park when we saw a sign for Ravine Gardens State Park and decided to check it out. Wow this is an amazing little park. We have been to lots of parks in central Florida but Ravine Gardens is unique. There is a guard tower at the entrance but no one was there. A sign says to put money in the provided envelope and put it in the box with a tear off flap on your windshield.

You are greeted by a “60-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt” called “Court of States” and has parking all around it. Right away you realize that this park is different from other Florida parks. It’s some combination of historic gardens with status, long suspension bridges to hike over, hills to hike up and down on rough trails or drive around on the 1.8 mile paved road. The website says “Ancient ravines have been transformed into a rustic tropical garden.” We were lucky as the park wasn’t busy. We still passed by lots of other walkers and hikers while here. Some people were just sitting on benches talking and enjoying the day.

We walked the 2.5-mile Azalea Trail plus some of the Springs Trail. Start at the Historic Gardens which are below the Civic Center and Picnic Pavilion. The sign says Difficulty Level: Strenuous. The trail is steep in places and has lots of uneven steps and roots to deal with. It’s not a hard hike but one you need to keep alert while walking. It starts off crossing one of the two suspension bridges to get you to the other side of the ravine where you go up your first historic stone stairs which are in their natural but poor shape.

A large Covered pavilion with lots of picnic tables is close to the parking lot with wheelchair accessibility. There is a long sloping ramp to get to the pavilion. Another bathroom building is near the amphitheater and picnic area by the road.

Parked opened on July 4, 1933 Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Fee: $5 per vehicle, “please use honor box. Correct change...

Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida, is a unique gem that showcases the state’s natural beauty and history. Unlike typical flat landscapes, this park features steephead ravines up to 120 feet deep with 45-degree angles, formed over thousands of years by the spring-fed Whitewater Branch creek.  

Established in 1933 as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression, the park was designed to boost tourism and provide employment. Landscape architect Richard Forester’s vision transformed the ravines into formal gardens, planting over 95,000 azaleas and 250,000 ornamental plants. Today, visitors can explore remnants of this history, including stone terraces and two wooden suspension bridges that span the ravines.   

A highlight of the park is the annual azalea bloom from late January to early March, when thousands of vibrant pink and red blossoms create a breathtaking display. The 2.5-mile Azalea Trail, rated as strenuous due to numerous tree roots, offers an immersive experience through this floral spectacle. Despite the rating, seasoned hikers may find it moderately challenging. 

Bird enthusiasts will delight in the park’s diverse avian population. During our visit, we were serenaded by various songbirds and spotted a majestic pileated woodpecker. The crystal-clear, sandy-bottomed creek is home to countless minnows, adding to the park’s charm.

Located just minutes from downtown Palatka, Ravine Gardens State Park charges a modest $5 entrance fee per vehicle, or free entry with an annual Florida State Parks pass. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, this park offers a unique and...

Stunning trails to walk with historical steps, stone terraces and complete nature! Be careful and don’t slide into the ravine while hiking the trails and watch for roots.

Plenty of parking both inside the park entrance and out. $5/car unless you have the State Park Pass. Plenty of benches to rest your feet. Large pavilion and smaller pavilion with picnic tables and grills available, as well as a gazebo. There is a paved drive around the park for a scenic view. It closes to automobiles at 4pm and then it’s foot traffic only. Not far down that paved drive is a play area on the right and then a par course fitness station. Park is dog friendly, on leash. Just pick up any waste and leave only footprints. The suspension bridges are beautiful as well as the sound of the spring flowing.

The Civic Center offers cold AC!! It’s super clean with restrooms inside. They have several banquet rooms and auditorium inside as well as a large deck with picnic tables.

We enjoyed exploring this park. I’d love to go back when all the flowers are in bloom. We walked all around looking for the Spring head - found some steelheads with perfect clear water flowing out of them. Loved it.

At the time of my visit, the fountain in the garden wasn’t operational. Some of the boards on the walk need replaced. One board on a suspension bridge was loose. Part of the Spring trail was closed.

The park offers Ranger led tour hikes if you’re interested in that. Must request 3 weeks in advance, additional $2/person for 10-30 people. Also, cart tours available with 10 days notice.

Much of this park is handicap accessible- the paved loop around the ravine, playground, restrooms, picnicking...