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Latest update: April 2023

Ravine Gardens State Park, FL... Bike, Hike

Serene Park with Ravines, Historic Gardens, Trails

Ravine Gardens State Park is a lovely park in Palatka, FL, centered around two ravines. Up to 120-foot deep with 45 degree angled banks, the ravines were carved out over thousands of years by a spring-fed stream, which feeds into the St. Johns River. The paved 1.8 mile rim loop road is popular for biking and hiking, especially when closed to motor vehicles after 4 p.m. There are 3 hiking trails (no bikes) ranging from easy to strenuous. State Park fee applies. January to April during azalea blooming season is a good time to visit. On this trip, we missed the prime azalea flowering season, so we plan to be back! (Map and photos below.)

Map link... Ravine Gardens State Park

Location: Putnam County (See map)
End Points: 1600 Twigg Ave., Palatka, FL
Mileage: 1.8 mile paved loop, 3+ miles hiking trails
Surface: Asphalt
Nearby points of interest: Historic Palatka Water Works, Palatka Riverfront Park, St. Johns River Center

Support and Advocacy:
Friends of Ravine Gardens

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Putnam Bicycles (Palatka)

 Page Summary:

1. Eco-biking at Ravine Gardens State Park
   - Biking the Rim Loop Road
   - Along the rim
   - Through the ravine
2. Hiking Trails
3. The Gardens
4. Palatka Water Works
5. More Information and Resources

Eco-biking and Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park... Comments and Photos

Biking the Rim Loop Road - 1.8 miles

The one-way, 1.8 mile rim loop road is shared by bicycles, hikers and motor vehicles. While the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, the road closes to motor vehicles at 4 p.m. This is the best time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The ravines are part of a natural hardwood forest, but when the park was created over 95,000 azaleas, 250,000 ornamentals and 11,000 palm trees were introduced. Today, the ravines are returning to their natural state with a mix of native and introduced plants.

Along the Rim

The road is well shaded and winds around the ravines with scenic viewing areas, passing picnic areas, fitness course, and a playground. Trail accesses and staircases lead down into the ravine. At the eastern end of the loop, it passes the Historic Palatka Water Works (more below).

Through the Ravine

The loop road descends into the ravine. At the bottom of the ravine are picnic tables and interpretative signs. A large pond remains, a remnant of dams built to direct water to the water works. Waters are still channeled through the old water works facility as they head to the St. Johns River. The Spring Trail runs here for hiking

Hiking Trails

Stairways and trail access into the ravines are located at the main entrance and along the rim loop road. More than three miles of hiking trails including suspension bridges wind around the ravine, through the woods, and along the stream.

• Azalea Trail, 2.5 miles, strenuous - The trail winds through the ravines, including suspension bridges and stone staircases with elevation changes providing great park views, particularly during azalea blooming season. The paths can be steep and narrow with exposed roots.
• Springs Trail, moderate, 0.6 mile - Loop trail on ravine paths and stone stairs. A portion circles the springs forming Whitewater Branch.
• Whitewater Path, easy, 0.7 mile - At the bottom of the ravine system from the springs at Whitewater Branch to the old Palatka Water Works.

The Gardens

Five acres of formal gardens remain, including hundreds of azaleas, stone terraces, rock gardens and fountains. The original gardens had up to 64 of the 72 varieties of azalea, today 14 varieties survive. This is a popular location for weddings and special occasions. The Court of States with the 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt is located near the park entrance. A marker at the park commemorates the Bartram Trail, tracking the route of the botanist and explorer John Bartram in the 1770's.

Historic Palatka Water Works

Located just outside Ravine Gardens (separated by a fence), the Historic Palatka Water Works dates from 1886. A former water pumping facility, water from the springs was directed to the City of Palatka for drinking water, and also to fight fires. Today, the water works serves as an Environmental Education Center, with tours and programs focused on water conservation and protecting the St. Johns River. Parking, restrooms, picnic tables, nature trails, observation deck, organic community garden. Open to the public every Wednesday (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and the 1st Sunday of each month (1-4 p.m.), or by appointment.

About Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens is one of nine New Deal parks built by the CCC in Florida the 1930's. Ravine Gardens was deeded to the State and became a Florida State Park in 1970. Built in "American Rustic" style, some original structures remain, including the main entrance, stone terraces, amphitheater, two suspension bridges and the Court of States with obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt. A portion of the Gardens are preserved, but the ravines have been left to return to their natural state. The 59-acre park has parking, restrooms, picnic sites, playground, amphitheater, and an activity center with pavilion, auditorium and meeting rooms. Ravine Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

Palatka Area Overview
- Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
- Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail
- Palatka Urban Trail
- Gold Head Branch State Park

North FL Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

St. Johns River to Sea Loop

Related Resources:

Florida State Parks - Ravine Gardens State Park