Ravine Gardens Spring

## Overview Ravine Gardens Spring is a natural spring nestled within the lush ravines of Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida. The park, established in 1933 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression, was originally designed as a formal garden showcasing the dramatic steephead ravines carved into the landscape by centuries of water erosion. These ravines, some plunging nearly 120 feet deep, were formed as groundwater seeped through sandy soils and eroded the underlying limestone, creating a striking geological feature in an otherwise flat region of Putnam County. The spring itself feeds into the ravine system and has long been a quiet highlight for visitors exploring the park's trails. Situated along the aptly named Spring Trail, it offers a peaceful, shaded retreat surrounded by subtropical vegetation, ferns, and towering hardwoods. The spring has historically been used as a source of natural water, and visitors have reported that the water flows clear and cool year-round. ## Directions 1. Head to **1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177**, which marks the entrance to Ravine Gardens State Park. 2. After entering the park, follow the **Ravine Loop**, a 1.8-mile paved road that circles the ravine. You can drive or walk this loop. 3. Continue along the loop until you reach the **first wooden overlook structure** — this platform allows you to look down into the ravine. 4. Just before this wooden structure, look for the sign pointing to **"Spring Trail"**. The trailhead is located at the bottom end of the overlook structure. 5. Follow Spring Trail — it is a short, easy path that leads directly to the spring. **GPS Coordinates:** 29.635788, -81.647188 ## What to Expect Ravine Gardens State Park charges a modest vehicle entrance fee. Once inside, the Ravine Loop road is well-maintained and suitable for both driving and walking. The Spring Trail itself is short and relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors, though the terrain does descend into the ravine, so sturdy footwear is recommended. At the spring, expect a tranquil, shaded setting surrounded by the park's signature ravine walls draped in ferns, palms, and moss-covered oaks. The spring water has been reported to run clear, emerging from the limestone formations that characterize much of north-central Florida's geology. The surrounding ravine ecosystem supports a rich variety of plant life, including azaleas that bloom spectacularly in late winter and early spring — the park hosts an annual Azalea Festival, typically in March, which draws visitors from across the region. The park also features formal gardens, suspension bridges, and additional hiking trails, so a visit to the spring can easily be combined with a fuller exploration of this unique and historically significant landscape. Restroom facilities and picnic areas are available near the park entrance.