Contact Information
1600 Twigg Street, Mail P.O. Box 1096
Palatka, 32712
(386) 329-3721
Directions
Ravine Gardens is located within the city limits of
Palatka, near the St. Johns River, a few blocks south
of downtown and U.S. Highway 17. Access to the park
is from Twigg Street, east from Moseley Avenue, south
from S. R. 20 and U. S. 17. Ravine State Gardens is
less than an hour drive from Gainesville, Jacksonville
and St. Augustine.
Room and Area Rentals
The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center is available for
weddings, family reunions, conferences, training and
other activities. Meeting Rooms contain tables and
chairs ideal for training and conferences. Overhead
projectors, screens, podiums and microphones are available
upon request.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Florida has been shaped geographically and culturally
by water and Ravine State Gardens is representative
of the never-ending shaping that occurs.
A
steep ravine was created by water flowing from beneath
the sandy ridges that flank the west shore of the
St. Johns River. As time passed, the slopes of the
ravine were colonized by grasses, shrubs and trees.
Ravine Gardens State Park has long been famous for
its extensive plantings of azaleas and other ornamental
plants. Recreational uses are generally passive, related
to the aesthetic enjoyment of the gardens. Park programs
emphasize interpretation of the park's natural and cultural
attributes.
Park Activities
Bird Watching
Ravine Gardens is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Many species of birds appear, especially during spring and fall migration. Hike the trails or drive the loop road watching for migratory songbirds, resident woodpeckers, owls and hawks. Ruby-throated hummingbirds frequent the formal gardens in spring and summer.
Hiking and Fitness
Walk the extensive trails that lead around the ravines and along the spring-fed stream.
An accessible Parcourse fitness center features exercise stations designed to condition your entire body through stretching and cardiovascular conditioning. The 1.8 mile paved loop road is ideal for joggers and walkers of all ages.
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.
Ranger-led Wagon Tours
Enjoy the beauty of the park, while a Park Ranger interprets the history and highlights of the gardens. The tour last approximately 30 minutes. There is a Group-rate fee of $40.00. Two weeks notification is preferred.
