March 23, 2019 8 AM to Sundown
The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep . Unlike common gullies, trenches or sinkholes caused by temporary flooding, the ravines are a permanent feature with a spring-fed creek that never dries up, called Whitewater Branch. The underground water bubbling up cuts into the bank and carries the sand and soil downstream to the St. Johns River. Over thousands of years the ravines have widened and deepened to what you can see today.
When and Where
March 23, 2019 8 AM to Sundown
Ravine Gardens State Park
Palatka FL
Ravine Gardens Home
Park Photo Gallery
Ravine Gardens - Accessible Amenities
Accessible Civic Center with elevator access
1.8 mile accessible paved trail
Accessible picnic pavilions and tables
Accessible playground and parking area
Accessible par-course fitness area
Large Print formats for Florida Park Service publications and other literature available upon request
Accessible restrooms
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.
Description
This 146-acre park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. Natural vegetation ranges from mosses and ferns to woody shrubs and hardwood forest. Look for live oaks, hickory, sweet gum, longleaf pines, cabbage palm and cypress. About five acres are formal gardens, with stone terraces and water features.
The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to March. The hundreds of remaining azaleas have a "rolling bloom" and top out with about 50 - 60% of the plants blooming simultaneously. Visitors will also see Chickasaw plums, redbuds and dogwoods during this season.
Directions
From I-95 and Old St Augustine Rd.
Travel 24.4 miles to Exit 311
Turn right onto Rt 207
Travel 19.2 miles and turn right onto Hwy 17
Travel 3.7 miles and turn left onto Moseley Ave. in Palatka
From Hwy 17 and Kingsley Ave (OP)
Travel 37.8 miles and turn right onto Moseley Ave. in Palatka
ALL:
Travel 0.9 miles on Moseley Ave. and turn left onto Twigg St.
The Park entrance is 0.2 miles on your right.