Experiences & Amenities

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 at 4 p.m. daily but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles and wheelchairs. 

• Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

Cyclists looking for longer distances should check out the Palatka to St. Augustine Trail, located just over the bridge in East Palatka. This 12-foot-wide paved trail runs through agricultural landscapes and scenic routes, and offers 19 miles of trail to explore.

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult.

The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

• Operation Recreation GeoTour 

The park has four hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty.

• Ravine Loop Trail – Easy, 1.8 miles/2.9km: The Ravine Loop Trail is a paved road that winds around the top of the ravine and over a spring-fed stream. The trail has several overlooks that offer views down into the ravine system. The Ravine Loop Trail is considered easy although there are steep elevation changes that some may find challenging. The trail is open daily to pedestrians during regular park hours and to vehicles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Whitewater Path – Easy, 0.72 miles/1.16km: Explore the bottom of the ravine system on this dirt and gravel out-and-back path from the old Palatka Waterworks to the springs that feed the Whitewater Branch. Access this trail at the bottom of the ravine system, located along the Ravine Loop Trail.
• Springs Trail – Moderate, 0.6 miles/0.97km: This loop trail follows narrow ravine paths and historic stone stairs. A portion of it circles the spring boils that form Whitewater Branch. Watch for steep slopes and exposed roots.
• Azalea Trail – Strenuous, 2.5 miles/4km: This challenging loop trail features suspension bridges and unbeatable view of the ravines. Exposed roots, narrow paths, steep elevation changes and numerous stone stairs make this trail slightly strenuous.

There are numerous sites for picnicking along the 1.8-mile paved ravine perimeter road. Accessible picnic tables and grills are available at no additional charge. Stairways and trail access into the ravines are located near each picnic area. 

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in the Civic Center, where alcohol is allowed during park-sanctioned events, within designated areas only.

The park has a large picnic pavilion available for rent that is ideal for family reunions, baby showers and gatherings. The large pavilion comes with the use of grills and picnic tables and is wheelchair accessible. It seats up to 100 guests at picnic tables and is available for $100 plus tax per day. Park entrance fees for guests are not included in the price of the pavilion rental. A group fee can be prepaid for guest entry fees and is available upon request. Rentals include the use of the pavilion from 8 a.m. to sunset. 

The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center has several options for indoor family reunions, baby showers and other gatherings.

• Auditorium includes stage, serving area, tables and chairs, deck and picnic tables. Room capacity: 200.
• Downstairs meeting room includes small kitchen, tables and chairs. Room capacity: 50.

Rentals in the Civic Center are available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Rentals include the initial setup and final breakdown the tables and chairs. Guests are responsible for cleaning and removing decorations and refuse from the facility.

When combined with at least one room rental, a commercial kitchen is available for an additional fee. Caterers must have the proper documentation and be approved by park staff two weeks prior to the event. Please let park staff know during the quote process if you would like to request the use of the kitchen.

• If your party will be using the park for recreational purposes, please advise staff during the quote process.

Please contact 386-329-3721 or email RavineGardensReservation@FloridaDEP.gov for more information or to request a quote. Two weeks of advance notice is required for all rentals to allow for the scheduling of proper staffing.

Ranger-led guided hikes of varying lengths are available for $2 per person. Tours must be requested a minimum of three weeks in advance. Fees must be paid in advance and are refundable only if the reservation is canceled one week prior to the scheduled date. A one-time date change can be made 48 hours prior to the scheduled date at no additional cost.

Tours do not include park entrance fees. A group fee is available upon request.

For those with mobility limitations, please contact the park at 386-329-3721 or email RavineGardensReservation@FloridaDEP.gov at least 10 days prior to your visit to discuss how we can help you better access the park.

School and Scout Programs

School and Scout programs are available upon request for no additional fee. Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. For more information, please contact the park services specialist at 386-329-3721.

Ravine Gardens State Park has opportunities for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Couples may choose to hold their ceremony outdoors in our Court of States or on the terraces of our formal gardens. Outdoor wedding fees are based on the number of guests and range from $100 to $400 for a three-hour time period.

Our outdoor facilities, such as our large pavilion and gazebo, are also available for rent and are wonderful for those looking for a rustic outdoor setting.

If you would prefer an indoor wedding or if you are looking for a spot to hold your reception, the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center has several options available.

• Auditorium includes stage, serving area, tables and chairs, deck and picnic tables. Room capacity: 200.
• Downstairs meeting room includes a small kitchen, tables and chairs. Room capacity: 50.

Rentals in the Civic Center are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Rentals include the initial setup and final breakdown the tables and chairs. Guests are responsible for cleaning and removing decorations and refuse from the facility.

When combined with at least one room rental, a commercial kitchen is available for an additional fee. Caterers must have the proper documentation and be approved by park staff two weeks prior to the event. Please let park staff know during the quote process if you would like to request the use of the kitchen.

• Rental rates range from $129 to $1,109 per event, including tax and all fees.
• Indoor room rentals do not include entrance fees for the park.
• If your party will be using the park for recreational purposes, please advise staff during the quote process.
• Please contact 386-329-3721 or email RavineGardensReservation@FloridaDEP.gov for more information or to request a quote. Two weeks of advance notice is required for all rentals to allow for the scheduling of proper staffing.

Visitors may see many types of wildlife throughout the park, and a good place for viewing is right along the main park drive or on the nature trails. Early morning and right before sunset are typically the best times for viewing.

Birds of all types, squirrels, opossum, skunks, fox, otters, fish, alligators and turtles are seen throughout the park.