Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park Review

Thousands of years of water flowing from the shore of the St. Johns River to the town of Palatka, 35 mi southwest of St. Augustine, created a 59-acre steep-head ravine. In 1933 the FDR's Works Progress Administration transformed the ravine into a spectacular garden by planting more than 95,000 azaleas, 11,000 palm trees, and 250,000 ornamental plants, creating Ravine Gardens State Park. A 1.8-mi paved road loops around the ravine giving visitors a view of the gardens, as well as brooks and rocky outcroppings, while stairs and trails allow access into the ravine. Picnic tables and grills and restrooms are available. Although any month is a good time to hike the shaded glens, for a truly stunning scene head here between late January and April when the 64 varieties of azaleas are in full bloom.