EXPLORE: Ravine Gardens State Park

Join the Florida Park Explorers at Ravine Gardens State Park.

PLEASE BE SURE TO UNRSVP AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU CANNOT MAKE IT SO SOMEONE ELSE KNOWS THEY CAN HAVE YOUR SPOT!

EXPECT –
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. 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% to 60% of the plants blooming simultaneously. Visitors also will see Chickasaw plums, redbuds and dogwoods during this season.

The park has four hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. We will explore each:

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.

PLAN TO BRING/WEAR -

• Lunch – We will break for lunch. Pack whatever sounds good to you: Power bar, sandwich and chips, 3 course meal… Whatever is your idea of trail/picnic food. We will keep our eyes open and either pick a good place to stop and eat on the trail or use one of the park’s picnic tables.
• Water
• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Insect repellent
• Cellular phone/camera
• Journal if you keep notes
• Your sense of wonder and excitement

SPECIFICS -
Distance: 99 Miles from Apopka, FL; approximately 1.75-hour drive one way
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Where to meet: Look for blue Subaru Forester in the parking lot. Organizer, Sonya, can be reached at 407-257-7006.
Facilities: Available at park.
Timing: Please be ON TIME! We will start our walk promptly at 9:15AM so arriving early should be the plan. Posted event duration is an approximate but know retuning to the parking area early is always an option if you need to.
Walking speed: While we will not be speed-walking, we also will not be lolly-gagging, so have your energy stored up for this fun adventure! Breaks will be taken if required by the group and opting out of the more “strenuous” loop and exploring elsewhere is, of course, an option.
Roll Call: Expect to share your name and cellular number with the organizer prior to beginning to explore. If the group separates and folks leave early, they will need to advise the organizer.

Check the park out:
Ravine Gardens State Park | Florida State Parks