Ravine Gardens State Park was constructed prior to 1933 with formal opening on July 4th 1933 by the Works Progress Administration At the time over 270,000 plants were planted in the formal gardens and along the slopes of the ravine.
The Park features a combination of formal and natural gardens. While the ravine system has been allowed to revert to a more natural state, five acres of formal gardens still exist. Photo opportunities abound with the thousands of plants and shrubs and structures accessible from the trails throughout the park and a 1.8-mile (2.9 km) paved perimeter loop road, and a parcourse trail that allows access to key parts of the park by auto.
Ravine gardens is part of the annual Florida Azalea Festival that hopefully, given the recent weather, will show the nearly 100,000 plants that the WPA planted decades ago in bloom.
When
Date March 1, 2025
Time Park opens at 8:00 AM, Loop Road access starts at 9:00 AM
Admission Fees
$5.00 Per Car
Where
Address
1600 Twigg St.
Palatka FL 32177 (386) 329-3721
Contact - Name of Leader Rebecca Jansen
Contact phone number (804) 615-2069, rjfinephoto@gmail
Parking Info - parking in Park Lot
Entrance Info -in the parking in the parking lot
Transportation
Determine any carpool arrangements individually.
Food
We plan to leave at 11:30-12:00 pm for lunch at Corkey Bells Palatka
Schedule of Events
There is no formal event planned at this time. Proceed to explored the park on your own or with other members as you wish. We will leave for lunch at 11:30 ish.
Gear
The shooting opportunities will center around Landscape, Flowers and some Architecture, Wildlife possible but, not so much.
Tripods may be needed for some flower shots.
Other Tips
Parking in the park lot is limited. Suggestion is to arrive early to assure in park parking availability. This is the first day of the Azalea festival so crowds are to be expected.
Trail walks can be up and down, be mindful of footear and pack weights.
Directions
GPS suggested using I95 or US 17 to Palatka FL City streets in Palate to the park.