Located in Palatka, Ravine Gardens State Park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. From shaded picnic sites to colorful gardens, this state park is a haven for outdoor adventures, including a chance to go on biking, hiking and wildlife viewing excursions. While the park is known for its springtime blooms, it’s also a great place to take the family throughout the year.
Step into this picturesque park and you’ll discover two ravines up to 120 feet deep that feature steep banks at 45-degree angles, showcasing thousands of years of progression. They’ve been created by a spring-fed creek that never dries up, called Whitewater Branch. See the underground water bubbling up to the surface into the bank and watch the sand and soil be carried downstream to the St. John’s River.
Dating back to 1933, the ravines here were then transformed into a tranquil garden space. Admire the lush foliage in the original landscaping in the formal gardens and explore its unique system of trails that includes a 1.8-mile stretch of paved road that winds around the ravines and gives hikers dramatic views of the surrounding area. In spring, you can sit in the grassy area amongst the wildflowers. The centerpiece of the park is the 146-acre formal and natural gardens, with natural vegetation that includes mosses, ferns, woody shrubs, and hardwood forests. Admire the five acres of formal gardens with stone terraces and water features, then look up to admire the towering live oaks. Want to see the gardens in full bloom? Time your visit in azalea season between January and March. See if you can count the eighteen different types of azaleas throughout the park.
If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, bring your bike or explore on foot and traverse the 1.8-mile road that gives you a full view of the gardens, reading the interpretive exhibits that are displayed. If you’re looking to explore long distances, hop on the 10-mile Palatka to St. Augustine Trail that runs through agricultural landscapes and scenic routes. Want to see local wildlife? Visit early morning or right before sunset to spot birds, squirrels, foxes, otters, fish, alligators, and turtles.
If you want detailed information about the park and its history, take a ranger-led tour of the park for $2.00. You can also pack a picnic and grill your lunch on the barbecue, then visit the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex to find a covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms available for rent. There’s also a playground for the little ones under the shade.
