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Ravine Gardens State Park
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RAVINE GARDENS STATE PARK
RAVINE GARDENS STATE PARK
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida   32177

Phone: 386-329-3721
A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.

Ravine Gardens State Park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 a year, including holidays. This includes the formal gardens, natural ravine, trails and the 1.8 mile drive around the ravine. Passes and information can be obtained at the gate any time the park is open. The Civic Center?s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. To book or pay for a wedding or room, or to purchase a pass with your credit card, please visit or call our office during these hours.
History of the Area
The 59 acre gardens were created in a natural steephead ravine by the City of Palatka, local citizens, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Federal Works Project Administration (WPA and the Civil Works Administration (CWA) in the 1930?S.

Described in the 1934 Florida Municipal Record as the "Nations Outstanding Civil Works Administration. project," the 59 acre ravines were planted with over 95,000 azaleas including 64 varieties, 11,000 palm trees and more than 250,000 ornamental plants. The gardens were maintained by the City of Palatka until the park was deeded to the State of Florida in 1970.

One of nine Florida state parks with New Deal Era structures, Ravine Gardens is the only park with a formal designed landscape. The extensive fieldstone terraces, rock gardens and massive cypress building construction is typical of the era. The Court of States and 64 foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt is located near the park entrance.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.


Location
Ravine Gardens State Park is located near Interlachen, Keystone Heights and Palatka

Day Use Area
Ravine Gardens has ADA compliant public restroom facilities on both floors of the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center. Additionally, our 1.8 mile paved drive has restroom facilities approximately 1/2 mile from the start of the drive, which can easily be accessed by visitors using the nearby playground facility and small picnic pavilion, as well as walkers and hikers.

Playground

Our playground is located along the drive that circles the ravines. It is past the amphitheatre and the bathrooms on the drive, approximately 1 mile from the start of the drive. Included are swings, a slide and climbing equipment, nestled in the shade provided by the trees around the ravines.
Picnicking
There are numerous sites along the 1.8 mile paved ravine perimeter road to picnic. Picnic tables and grills are available at no additional charge. Stairways and trail access into the ravines are located near each picnic area.
Trails
- Suspension Bridge Trail: This 1.8-mile trail takes hikers across a suspension bridge and through lush vegetation, offering views of the ravine's steep slopes.

- Azalea Overlook Trail: A short but scenic half-mile loop that offers stunning vistas over azaleas in bloom during springtime; it also features several picnic spots along its route.

- Ravine Loop: The longest trail at two miles long, this path circles around both sides of the park's main ravines providing panoramic views from various overlooks throughout its course.

- Garden Club Walkway: An easy quarter mile paved walkway suitable for all fitness levels; leads to an amphitheater where events are often held within sight of beautiful flower gardens.

- Northside Trails System : Comprises three separate trails - Fern Gully (0.3 miles), Live Oak Lookout (0.4 miles) and Spring Hammock(0.5miles); these paths wind their way through dense forested areas with abundant wildlife sightings possible.

-Southside Trails System : Includes four individual trails - Magnolia Ridge (.25mile), Palm Terrace(.35mile), Cypress Pointe(.45mile)and Laurel Hill (.55 mile). These offer varying degrees difficulty while traversing different terrains including wetlands, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods.

-WPA Structures Walking Tour : Not exactly a hiking trail but worth mentioning as it includes historic structures built by Works Progress Administration(WPA) such as stone bridges ,terraces etc., scattered throughout park grounds ; self-guided tour maps available at visitor center .

-Ravine Gardens Fitness Track : Paved one-mile track designed specifically for walkers or joggers looking to get some exercise amidst natural surroundings .
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including warblers, woodpeckers and hawks. Birding tours are also available.

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Directions
Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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