Such a beautiful state park! We joked it's the grand canyon of Florida! lol! You pay $5 for each car to enter, and you can park right at the entrance and walk around or you can drive in to the bottom of the Ravine! I thought this was great cause it's about 2 miles to walk the whole thing and we had kids with us that would have a fit with that much walking. You can stop at multiple areas on the drive in and we walked a short way to the suspension bridge and to the bottom, SO pretty down there! A lake/ spring is at the bottom, with lots of vegetation just a beautiful area! Nice bathrooms are also available around! read more

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The Ravines was enhanced in the 1930's with the New Deal; the ravine is a natural sink hole. It is a Fl State Park and they have several trails through the park and it appears locals walk the trails regularly. What is also nice is they have events there too...festivals. The cost is $5.00 per car. We enjoyed the two hanging bridges , paved pathways, small stream at bottom of ravine...one thing the old, steep rock steps need rails to hold onto! Let it be a Scouts of America project or Garden Club....some organization if the state won't pay. I believe it is a safety hazard. Palatka has a real asset with this park! read more

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This state park has everything! For the hiking enthusiasts to the casual strollers and tons of visual interest. They even have a paved roadway for accessibility concerns. The gardens and trees were beautiful and tons of historical moments read more

Ravine Gardens State Park - Suspension bridge - Parks Near Me - Palatka, Florida

It's a 2 hour drive from my home, but it's worth it. I got to see some of the prettiest Florida scenery that exists, and when I arrived at the park, I nearly had it to myself. There were 6 cars in the parking lot including myself. First I'm gonna say Ravine should have clued me in to what kind of landscape I was in for. I wore the wrong shoes and really only got a mini bite of the park. What I saw was absolutely beautiful. The 1930's architecture, which is native stone and mortar, is still there and beautifully intact. The park was created by the Works Progress Administration by FDR in 1936. Lots of young men worked here to create this piece of Florida history. The grounds are uneven and the stairs have no handrails, so you have to be cautious and pay attention to where you're going at all times. In the front, there is a beautiful obelisk built in honor of Roosevelt. It's a beautiful work of art. read more

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Came back after 5 years and it's just as beautiful, peaceful, and quiet as I remembered. They have a paved trail and nature trail through the ravine. The paved loop is about 1.8 miles, easy for walking, strollers, or even a short drive. Along the way you'll find a small playground, a fitness area, and several spots where you can park and head down to the ravine for a more natural hiking trail. It's a great place to spend a couple of hours, whether for a picnic, a peaceful walk, or taking photos in the middle of the nature. read more

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Some of the best "uphill" hiking you'll find in Florida. There is a 1.8 mile paved, shaded rim trail that you can drive or walk on. Two swinging bridges cross the ravine and there is also a spring trail that meanders along the crystal-clear brook at the bottom of the ravine. I haven't visited at the end of winter yet, but I hear the azaleas are an absolutely gorgeous riot of color then. There are bathroom facilities with flush toilets at the beginning and midpoint of the rim trail as well as a playground for children and an exercise station for adults. With plenty of covered and shady picnic tables, this is the perfect place for a family outing. read more

This was an amazing 2 hours, mostly (fairly ez) biking around the ravine. Beautiful scenery and history...i will def. return. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The grounds were very well taken care of. read more

Ravine Gardens is awesome, even when the azaleas aren't in bloom. It has elevation to make it feel like a vigorous hike but it also has easy trail for those who just want to walk in the woods and see great scenery. read more

Ravine Gardens State Park - Parks Near Me - Palatka, Florida

We made a point to stay in Palatka for a few days, wanting specifically to go to Ravine Gardens Park. When we arrived at the park entrance, no one was there. The only options to pay for entrance were with a QR code or online. Our phone doesn't work right with QR codes, so that was out, and since we were in the car, we didn't have online access. We were extremely disappointed. We had to turn around and not go to the gardens we had been looking forward to seeing. We won't return. read more

Be sure to pay the $5 entry fee at the gate. It is worth it to keep this park open! Beautiful park setting with natural woods and man made gardens surrounding deep Ravine with a natural spring. You can smell the sulphur in the water. Soak your feet in the spring. While the hike is more strenuous than most in the state, there is a paved road/path around the top of the Ravine. I understand the park is best to visit when the azaleas are in bloom. The park garden has a large pavilion with grills. Public restrooms in the building at the top of the gardens. read more

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Gorgeous State Park! Able to walk the trails easily. It was pretty awesome walking on the suspended bridges! Beautiful azaleas! Watch out for gators! Saw a garden snake! Parking on site. Visitor Center with restrooms. read more

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It took wayyyyyyyyy too many years to finally get my first visit in at Ravine Gardens, but I finally did with some of my favorite people. It's as gorgeous as so many have said. We went up and down a ton of historic steps, across suspension bridges, and discovered wild oranges and fresh water springs. There's so much more to see, so we're already planning a return trip for a day when we're not a time crunch due to an evening shift for me. read more

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I was thankful for all the warnings that there are LOTS OF STAIRS, but you could still drive around the outer loop and there were places to pull off along the drive. We pulled off and parked a few times so my family could hop out and race down the stairs and back (great way to wear out the tweens). Having mobility issues, I do feel like I missed out a bit but the view at the bottom was worth a quick stop to see it just once. read more

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Ravine State Gardens was one of the most beautiful places I have seen in a long time. I never would have imagined a ravine in the middle of Florida as deep as this one with two artesian springs. I will check those out on my next trip. I road through the ravine with friends. The azaleas were in full bloom everywhere I turned. My eyes were in flower heaven. There were places along the loop you could pull over, get out of your car and walk to an overlook. We stopped a few times. The first stop was to see one of the suspension bridges. The second stop was at the bottom of the ravine and my oh my what a lovely site. There was a suspension bridge in the distance and a walking bridge over a babbling brook. This is a great spot for pictures! It's right beside the old water treatment plant. There's lots of history here too. I'm planning to go back soon with friends and can't wait to explore on foot and check out the gardens behind the main building. read more

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An absolutely beautiful place to walk to enjoy the beauty and the peacefulness and quietness of the surroundings

Always very pretty and well kept perfect this time of year for a stroll down the beautiful roads or through the middle on the suspension bridge read more

I love the outdoors and was able to stumble upon this wonderful State Park located in Palatka, FL. There is a $5 fee that you are able to put in an envelope at the entrance. There was no attendant when I visited. Plenty of parking and there is a Civic building with a restroom. Ravine Gardens offers two hiking trails, paved roads for bicycling, and picnic areas throughout the park. The Azalea Trail is about 2.5 miles long with narrow paths and steps. Easy to hike pathways. There is also a suspension bridge easy to get across. It was not crowded when I visited the park in February. Highly recommend Ravine Gardens State Park if you are looking for a new trail to experience. read more

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Heard about Ravine Gardens in Palatka and went there on this visit to see. It is a very nice park with lots of trails and beautiful foliage. The Park Ranger said that the Azaleas are usually in bloom from December to February but you can call them to ask when they are blooming. The park has a suspension bridge and lots of picnic areas. There are a lot of areas to park near some of the interesting points. Maps of the park are available in the park community center. There is a $5 per car charge which is honor system in a box. read more

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What a beautiful park, and the hidden history abounds. It's truly a ravine, so be prepared for the climb both up and down, slippery in spots. Be careful. The is a smooth, paved trail around the perimeter of the park, easy on my knees. The azaleas are in bloom, and that was the whole reason for this property. We will return. read more

Love the nature and the beauty of every single trail. Bring a bottle of water and some fruits to keep hydrated. Love the nature and the beauty of every single trail. Bring a bottle of water and some fruits to keep hydrated. read more

Ravine Gardens State Park - Parks Near Me - Palatka, Florida

A must-see when in the Palatka area! $2 person walking or biking in. $5 per car. The Azaleas here are wonderful! read more

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Ravine Gardens State Park was a fun little find for our family. February is a good time to visit as the weather is just right and the azaleas were starting to bloom. I brought bug spray but we didn't need it. The 1.8 mile Paved Loop is bike, jogger and stroller friendly whereas the 2.5 mile Azalea Trail has steep, historic and sometimes uneven stairs, as well as tons of tree roots. The best part is that it takes you through the two suspension bridges. We opted for the Azalea Trail but if you find yourself in need of a break, there's "exits" along the Azalea Trail where you can take a very short walk up to "escape" up to the Paved Loop (just look for the green icons on the map). Just as the name states, the Azalea Trail is sprinkled with pink and color blossoms along the way. The Azalea loop was fine for our dog. In fact, we saw tons of dogs during our visit. [ Restrooms ] - 2 sets - located near the parking lot inside the civic center & another set of restrooms is a very short walk from the amphitheater which is along the Paved Loop. [ PICNIC AREAS ] Pack snacks and water! Picnic tables can be found outside near the parking lot, near the amphitheater as well as near the small playground along the Paved Loop. We had a picnic lunch before starting our hike. The "ground level" near the reflecting pond has a couple benches and a picnic table but there's also a warning sign for alligators so you've been warned! [ FEES / MAPS ] The entrance is $5 per car (2-8 ppl max) or you can park outside the entrance and pay an ad hoc fee of something like $2 person/bicyclist. Single occupant cars are $4. I expected an honor system cash box but there was an attendant taking the cash and he had no way of making change so ** bring exact change ** , folks! He also ran out of printed maps but fortunately gave us the map to snap a picture of with our phones. Overall, I would highly recommend RG. I can't wait to go back. I just need to do it again before the ridiculous Florida humidity kicks in. It's open from 8am to sundown. read more

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We love the gardens! We enjoy the 75% shaded 1.9 mile loop. You can walk it out drive it. Plus so many trails!!! Flowers are great too especially when the azaleas are blooming! We love the park so much we are annual members. If you drive in the cost is 5 dollars per car load. MY be cheaper for two to walk into the park. Nice restrooms on the trail too and a great play ground for kids! There is parking at the playground if you would rather drive. Great picnic facilities through the park too including grills! This is a great park and I highly recommend this place! read more

Hurricane damage has forced closed the loop about the park you once could drive but it makes for nice easy traffic free hike. Storms have damaged the hiking trails enough they're moderately challenging and somewhat exciting for the novice...make sure you're able and have good shoes. Map we found in the Civic Center wasn't all that helpful, really. Could have saved the $5 and parked outside the gates in their free parking area and walked in. read more

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Gorgeous park. Entry fee is $5, but that's if you want to drive through the park or if you have any other reason why you need the car inside the lot. I noticed most people parked outside. In that case, entry fee is free. They do have a small lot located in front of the entrance. There are plenty of amenities like picnic pavilions, restrooms, fitness area, etc. There is a 1.8 miles paved trail. There are also hiking trails. Some areas of the park have been damaged by the hurricane, making these trails more difficult. I guess that's a good thing if you are into a challenging workout. The park is absolutely stunning. It's a great place to admire Florida's flora and fauna. I didn't see any wildlife, but there has been sightings of all kinds of swamp and forest creatures. 5 stars. read more

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We try to look for new places to discover..it had been a while since I had been to Ravines, and I wanted to introduce my family to it. We took a day trip to it, since it's about an hour drive from St. Johns. It was easy to find via GPS, and as you get closer to it, there are signs directing you to the park. It is $5 for a car to get in, and our infant son was free. The park ranger was happy to see our Cavapoo with us, so she offered dog treats to him. There was plenty of parking before the trails and civic center. There is a paved 1.8 mile loop that takes you around the ravine. We found that it would have been impossible to walk the 2.8 mile trail in the ravine with a baby stroller, as we tried taking the stroller down the terrace steps to the trail, but found that the signs let us know it would be uneven, strenuous, and lots of steps. We enjoyed the paved walk, with plenty of lookout points, playground, exercise area, bathrooms, and picnic areas. We were able to view the springs at one point, and there were warning of alligators in that area, so we kept our dog and baby close. Overall, we enjoyed the walk and would like to come back to do the strenuous Azalea trail at another point. read more

How could anyone possibly take the time to log in and write anything BUT a FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC review! It'a calming nature walks, scenery, beautiful flowers everywhere and the entire place is well maintained! Now, with that said... and this goes out to ALL of you ladies... and/ or small statured men! Even though they have done everything in their power to keep the "bad" out, but there's bad EVERYWHERE Boys and Girls! That said, if you fit the aforementioned description, DO NOT GO WALKING OR RIDING ALONE! That doesn't just apply to this location. That's the sidewalk around, even, your OWN neighborhoods! If you choose to ignore this and all the other advise before me and plenty to come after me... and you CHOOSE, with a sane mind, that you're above getting taken or hurt or worse... then YOU, and you ALONE... should do just that! Let the rest of us know how it goes, if you make it back. For the rest of you, "normal" folk, take a friend or family member or two or whatever you want, and go enjoy a small piece of heaven in the most unique and unusual of places!! You almost forget where you are while you're there... until you leave.. and it's ohh yeah back to reality! To which, could ALWAYS be worse, so I'm not complaining! I'm obviously proud of where I came from! Hell, I've moved back here four... count them FOUR times! The place is like a magnet and those from here know EXACTLY what I'm talking about! HEY!! Mayyyybe it has something to do with... NOOOO IT COULDN'T BEEE... THE RAVINE STATE GARDENS IS A HUGE UNDERGROUND MAGNETIC SUNKEN ASTEROID FROM OUTER SPACE!!?? Nah FAM... we just country folk, and love coming back to our roots! ENJOY THE RAVINES, and y'all come back now... YA HEAR!?!! read more

Different trails, for the most part friendly people. Rangers are kind and considerate. read more

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Take your own Walking Tour... kinda mandatory, since Hurricane Irma damaged the access road. * See map jpg. Parking isn't usually as packed as it is today. I'm here for their annual Azalea Festival & will be checking out the Log Cabin Boutique that sports Homemade Cakes & Teas, Old English style, thanks to Joyce, a member of the Garden Club. Vendors, music, lawn or picnic tables... an artist glery inside the Pavillion. Lots of walking & fun for all. read more

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Ravine Gardens State Park was created over thousands of years by water flowing through this area along the shores of the St. Johns River, although at the time it wasn't called a park, a public space, a garden or any other recognizable name it was simply the evolution of nature. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) The goal of the WPA was to employ most of the unemployed people across the country on relief until the economy recovered. What a concept if you were able to work and you were receiving government assistance you were required to work for the benefits - no free rides, while at the same time the program's directives were centered around maintaining the workers self-respect, reinforce work ethics, and sharpen the skills of those involved. Much of the original landscaping build by the unskilled labor force under this program still exist today as formal gardens, brick laden hillsides, stone paths along with an extensive trail system. A peaceful drive on the 1.8-mile paved road that winds around the ravine offers an amazing look at the work completed during the time of the Great Depression, this is one of many projects completed during this period which continued until the start of World War II when millions were enlisted into the military and others were employed in factories to support the war effort proving that a country prospers during a state of war sadly. Known as a Steephead Ravine, this is one of the most awesome, unique, diverse and sensitive ecosystems that exist in nature, numerous springs seeping clear filtered water so in essences it's like a giant living organism and although nature didn't really need any help in creating this beautiful Eco-system thanks to the WPA we can now enjoy the fruits of their labor from this depression era project, they were responsible for planting over 95,000 azaleas including 64 varieties, 11,000 palm trees and more than 250,000 ornamental plants. It's quite an accomplishment and something you'll want to see if you have the opportunity, this type of park is rather unique not only to the area but unique in that it exist at all. read more

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Pros: Venue. Picture worthy places include suspension bridge, overlooking terraces, open garden area that inclines for weddings and parties which take place inside the building. Wild flowers gather around the outdoor amphitheater. Elevated picnic areas. Dog friendly. Dog should be on leash at all times. Sinie, barks at everyone, but he's handsome and gets away with it. Cons: Map. It's easy to get lost in the middle, but that's all the fun. Hike in the middle and bike around the outskirts. Have fun. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. read more

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Beautiful scenery. Got our engagement pictures here. Well worth the $5.00 to get in the gate. Wished all the fountains were operational however and wish we had known their was handicapped parking further up the trail. But overall, had a good time! read more

Great Park/Gardens. Lots of trails and areas to take breaks at. Only a small fee of $5.00 per car load. Very enjoyable area and piece & quite. read more

The Ravines park is a Florida jewel, with elevations that will make you think you're in the lower mountains of Tennessee. There are several suspension bridges over the creek areas and many picturesque places to have a picnic or take photos. You could spend a relaxing day here just enjoying nature. There are public restrooms in the community room but no food sales, so bring your own. $2 pp or $5 for a car with up to 4, but bring cash, it's an honor box system. read more

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Pretty place but trails are VERY hazardous. Probably need to be cut back but generally very nice

This place is beautiful, has a paved drivable path around the top and a walking path on the edge of the ravine. The walking path needs some maintenance and at times seems dangerous, but being so close to nature is really nice and at Ravine park it is different that any hiking areas in Florida. The oath is not long at all, I wish it was, so we'll be back when the Azaleas are in bloom, Jan/Feb. read more

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We go at least once a year, usually in mid-to-late February and again around October or November. It is definitely a repeat experience! The gardens are magnificent to walk through and it's a photographer's paradise! When we go in February with the azaleas in heavenly bloom it's unforgettable! It makes for a very romantic walk. read more

When the days begin to feel like the end of Times perhaps it is best to visit the places where it all began. A suspension bridge. A Beanstalk Tree. A Tribal Homeland. A Pastor of Wildflowers. A true Land Before Time. While many people might say this is the type of place stories are created. I believe the people who visited this area feel this is the type of place where Time began. read more

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The gardens are beautiful and relaxing. Also a wonderful hike if your looking for exercise with a view. Make sure to walk during the spring time to see all the azalea flowers blooming read more

Simply beautiful. My family enjoyed our puppies first visit to a park. Paved walking paths, many options available.