Just a short jaunt from Jacksonville, Florida, is the tucked-away gem Ravine Gardens State Park. This delightful park is the perfect day trip for solo travelers, hobby hikers, or even just a day trip with friends. With tons of exciting things to do and fun trails to explore, it’s easy to spend an entire day outdoors here. Plus, wait until you see the various footbridges and suspension bridges you can hike over!
Ravine Gardens State Park in Florida is one of a handful of state parks that have a history dating back to the New Deal era.
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Two ravines are the park’s namesake, reaching a depth of 120 feet. These steep ravines are a permanent feature of the park, with a spring-fed creek always bubbling away.
TripAdvisor management
In 1933, these ravines became the stunning garden they are today, thanks to the federal Works Progress Administration.
TripAdvisor Joe W
Visiting the park is not just a historical experience, though - there are so many features of this area that deserve to be explored.
TripAdvisor Nicky Meredith
The nearly two-mile paved road gives visitors a chance to see the most dramatic aspects of the park, especially during peak azalea season.
TripAdvisor Kelly B
But one of the main attractions of the park involves suspension bridges throughout. Two bridges stretch over the large ravine, both a real treat for hikers of all ages.
Flickr Sandy Auriene Sullivan
Plus, there are various footbridges, rock stairs, and other unique terrains to be admired.
Flickr Sandy Auriene Sullivan
It’s not every day that you come across a park in Florida with multiple bridges, especially ones crossing over water!
Flickr John Getchel
So spend an afternoon exploring Ravine Gardens State Park for blossoming azaleas and bridges galore.
TripAdvisor Stephanie K
Have you ever been to Ravine Gardens State Park in Florida? Did you hike across these bridges before? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you want to know more about this state park, including the best time to visit, check out the Ravine Gardens State Park website.
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TripAdvisor management
TripAdvisor Joe W
TripAdvisor Nicky Meredith
TripAdvisor Kelly B
Flickr Sandy Auriene Sullivan
Flickr John Getchel
TripAdvisor Stephanie K
Also, if bridges are your thing, then you’ll want to head on over to Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. This Florida swinging bridge hike is not for the faint of heart.
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Address: Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
