Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines. Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures. The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.
At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.
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Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines. The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps. The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs.
You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.
If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop. This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems. You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.
Visiting the Park with Children
This is a great space to visit with your family. The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic. Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles). However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros. I think it all boils down to experience.
Smiley (7) did great on the trails. It was an excellent work out for both of us. At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise). I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).
If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop. Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges. One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead. You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be. The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet. The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months. During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea. This is our favorite time to visit.
Visiting Information
Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.
$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrians and bicylclists
Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?
The park is located in Palatka, Florida. The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine.
Physical Address:
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida 32177
What to Bring Along With You
- A Picnic Lunch
- Plenty of Water
- Lightweight Daypack
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Lip Protectant (they get burned too!)
- Comfortable Shoes
- Camera (GoPro!)
- Trekking Poles
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