Palatka
Located on the St. John's River, this trail town is full of local history, trails, and fishing opportunities.
Adventures
Palatka is often described as a trail hub because it is a central hub for multiple trails. You can head out on an adventure any direction you choose from Palatka!
Long Distance Trails
This 12-foot-wide, 19-mile-long paved trail runs through beautiful agricultural landscapes and scenic routes. You can begin your adventure from several access points:
this small trailhead includes a kiosk with a trail map and roadside parking only.
this location includes a kiosk with a trail map, parking, restroom and picnic area.
this trailhead includes restrooms, parking, a picnic area and a playground.
this trailhead includes a restroom, parking and a picnic area.
this small trailhead located on East River Road includes three roadside parking spaces.
Still in development, this paved, multi-use recreational trail is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the state. The following trailheads are located along the trail:
three public parking lots at the park, makes this a great place to start your trip.
this trailhead includes parking, restrooms, picnic area, and a playground.
this trailhead includes parking, restrooms and a picnic area.
this trailhead includes parking and a picnic area.
This trail includes the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail which stretches 16 miles from the city of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and other local and state conservation lands.
this trailhead includes parking and a picnic area.
Prairie Creek Preserve
this trailhead includes a parking area.
this trailhead includes a parking area and trail map kiosk.
The St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop is the longest multi-use loop trail underway through the American Southeast. This 260-mile loop is about 50% complete as of spring 2021.
[Click button on top right of map to expand]
Bartram National Recreation Trail
William Bartram, a botanist, artist, naturalist, humanist, and author, explored the area along the St. Johns River in Putnam County during his excursions into Florida in the late 1700s.
The kayak launch at Riverfront Park is a great launch point to visit some of Bartram's sites or string together a few for a unique adventure of your own.
For more information please see:
The Florida National Scenic Trail, better known as the Florida Trail, is a federally-designated, non-motorized recreation trail that meanders approximately 1,500 miles across some of the most beautiful, unique landscapes in the entire country.
The Florida Trail can be accessed from a variety of trailheads near Palatka.
Keeping it Local
In addition to the many longer adventures in the area, there is much to do without ever leaving Palatka.
And with wayfinding signage placed all around town, you shouldn't have any trouble getting to where you want to go!
The North Historic District first became known as "Reid's Garden" in the 1840's when the land was deeded to the son of a Florida territorial governor, R.R Reid.
The runs along the southern border of Reid's Garden and connects trail users to Riverside Park.
There are also a number of kiosks located throughout the district for a self-guided walking tour.
Built in 1854, the Bronson-Mulholland House stands as a testament to the City's rich history. It is a stunningly furnished antebellum home sitting on 2+ acres of greenspace overhung with live oaks and magnolias. Owned by the City of Palatka, it is available for free, guided tours as well as a rental venue for weddings and other events.
The Hammock
In the years following the Civil War, Palatka expanded from a 31-block settlement in 1861 to double that size by the 1880's. During this expansion, distinct neighborhoods were formed. One of these was known as the Hammock.
The hammock got its name for its beautiful natural setting, which includes large moss covered oak trees and tall magnolias overlooking the city's best view of the St. Johns River.
Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is one of the nine New Deal-era state parks in Florida. The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45-degree angles.
is a 1.8-mile paved road that winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. It is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles and wheelchairs.
The park also has with varying levels of difficulty.
Riverfront Park
Central to Palatka's Trail Town identity is Riverfront Park.
The St. John's River Center serves as an educational resource regarding the ecological significance of wetlands, the conservation and sustainability of these areas and the need for a balanced approach to usage among all communities.
Riverfront Park is a great place to start your adventure! There is a large public parking lot and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby.
Note: There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead of time to be sure that plenty of parking will be available!
Speaking of fishing...at Riverfront Park you'll find many fishing piers to try your luck in the St. John's River.
Bringing the kids on your trail town adventure? Be sure to check out Puc Puggy's Playground!
A multiuse path weaves throughout the park to get you where you need to go!
A boardwalk connection will allow you to cross under the bridge and access the North Historic District....and more trails!
Restaurants & Lodging
TBD
Murals
The mission of The Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee is to accurately depict the historical, cultural, and natural riches of Palatka and Putnam County in larger-than-life murals. In sharing these pictorial renderings with visitors and citizens, appreciation of the heritage of the community will be enhanced and developed.
Putnam County Jail
Who says crime doesn’t pay? A cell with a river view, a lovely Victorian home with a lawn, and three meals home-cooked by the Sheriff’s wife every day!
Putnam County Courthouse
Sitting on land donated to the county by Judge Isaac Bronson in 1855, this courthouse building has been in continuous use since 1909.
Bronson-Mulholland House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on Madison Street between Second and Third Streets, this home is now owned by the City of Palatka and maintained by the Putnam County Historical Society. Guided tours are conducted several days each week.
Palatka City Hall
This municipal building not only provided space for the conduct of City business but also housed Palatka’s only fire station and the small public library. The library, located upstairs, was reached by climbing squeaky wooden stairs.
Old JT&K Railway Station
This Victorian two-and-a-half storey frame building was located approximately where the present CSX Railway Station is today. The cupola at the top was used as a watchtower for the station manager.
Old Palatka Waterworks
These spring-fed waterworks were operated by steam-driven pumps heated by a wood furnace. They provided all the water for Palatka and were in operation until 1986.
Heartbeat of Palatka
This mural combines the Old City Hall (left) and the Federal Building, or Old Post Office (right), the present City Hall at Reid Street and North Second Street. Torn down in 1963, the Old City Hall also housed the fire station. Be sure to look for the coins in the fountain.
Mug Race
Celebrated the first weekend of May every year, the longest inland-waterway sailboat race in the country begins here in Palatka and runs north to the Rudder Club in Jacksonville.
The Putnam House
This mural is painted on the site of the original building. The elegant, prestigious hotel once encompassed the entire city block.
Battle at Horse Landing
Commemorating the Civil War battle between a Union gunboat and a force of dismounted Confederate calvary, this mural hosts several “moving” features. Most notable is the dock, which changes perspective as you walk by.
Putnam County Wildflowers
This mural, a collaboration between the Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee and the Palatka Art League, showcases the wildflowers of Putnam County.
Night Passage
Traveling up the Ocklawaha River at night on the way to Silver Springs, the captain navigated his steamboat by the light of a bonfire on the upper deck. A favorite sport was shooting at the birds, alligators, and other animals along the river.
To God Be the Glory
The Billy Graham story starts here in Putnam County with his baptism in Silver Lake and his first pulpit at Peniel Baptist Church.
Bygone Days
An excellent example of “faux” painting, the only real architectural elements in this mural are the windows and the doorway on the left covered by an awning.
Putnam Treasures
These vignettes depict birds (anhinga, sand hill crane, and swallow-tail kite) and animals (Florida panther, whitetail deer, and black bear) native to Putnam County.
High Time in Palatka
Remembering such entertainment as the circus, greased pig wrestling, and other amusements, this mural of the circus high-wire act shows one of many activities enjoyed by our residents.
Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie
Until 1910, cattlemen swam their cattle from Hart’s Point in East Palatka across the river into Palatka then drove them on to Paynes Prairie (near Gainesville) in the winter to fatten them for market.
Senator B.C. Pearce
Representing Putnam County, Sen. B. C. Pearce was instrumental in passing legislation which helped local farmers. Cabbages and potatoes are primary crops of this area.
Seats of Learning
Segregation was evidenced by the first two high schools in Palatka, Central Academy and Putnam High School. In 1923, Central Academy became the first fully accredited black high school in Florida. The black and white high schools integrated in 1969.
Mary Lawson Hospital
The hospital opened in 1918, first as a facility for African-Americans. Owned and operated by an African- American family, the Lawsons, this hospital was soon integrated. Both black and white patients were cared for by doctors and nurses of both races.
Harlem Nights in Palatka
The Belton Society Syncopates, comprised of Putnam County musicians, made it big in Harlem at the height of the Jazz Age. They often returned to Palatka on tour and brought with them many other big names of the age.
Train Station
Railroads, along with steam ships on the St. Johns River, brought thousands of winter visitors to Palatka in the 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and early 1900s. They also brought produce and lumber from the interior of Florida to be shipped north.
Annie Oakley
One of the most admired women in America in the 1890s and early 1900s, Annie Oakley brought her sharp-shooter show to Palatka in 1908. A large crowd, including women and children, not just trap and skeet shooters, watched her perform along the waterfront.
Putnam County Jail
Who says crime doesn’t pay? A cell with a river view, a lovely Victorian home with a lawn, and three meals home-cooked by the Sheriff’s wife every day!
Putnam County Courthouse
Sitting on land donated to the county by Judge Isaac Bronson in 1855, this courthouse building has been in continuous use since 1909.
Bronson-Mulholland House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on Madison Street between Second and Third Streets, this home is now owned by the City of Palatka and maintained by the Putnam County Historical Society. Guided tours are conducted several days each week.
Palatka City Hall
This municipal building not only provided space for the conduct of City business but also housed Palatka’s only fire station and the small public library. The library, located upstairs, was reached by climbing squeaky wooden stairs.
Old JT&K Railway Station
This Victorian two-and-a-half storey frame building was located approximately where the present CSX Railway Station is today. The cupola at the top was used as a watchtower for the station manager.
Old Palatka Waterworks
These spring-fed waterworks were operated by steam-driven pumps heated by a wood furnace. They provided all the water for Palatka and were in operation until 1986.
Heartbeat of Palatka
This mural combines the Old City Hall (left) and the Federal Building, or Old Post Office (right), the present City Hall at Reid Street and North Second Street. Torn down in 1963, the Old City Hall also housed the fire station. Be sure to look for the coins in the fountain.
Mug Race
Celebrated the first weekend of May every year, the longest inland-waterway sailboat race in the country begins here in Palatka and runs north to the Rudder Club in Jacksonville.
The Putnam House
This mural is painted on the site of the original building. The elegant, prestigious hotel once encompassed the entire city block.
Battle at Horse Landing
Commemorating the Civil War battle between a Union gunboat and a force of dismounted Confederate calvary, this mural hosts several “moving” features. Most notable is the dock, which changes perspective as you walk by.
Putnam County Wildflowers
This mural, a collaboration between the Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee and the Palatka Art League, showcases the wildflowers of Putnam County.
Night Passage
Traveling up the Ocklawaha River at night on the way to Silver Springs, the captain navigated his steamboat by the light of a bonfire on the upper deck. A favorite sport was shooting at the birds, alligators, and other animals along the river.
To God Be the Glory
The Billy Graham story starts here in Putnam County with his baptism in Silver Lake and his first pulpit at Peniel Baptist Church.
Bygone Days
An excellent example of “faux” painting, the only real architectural elements in this mural are the windows and the doorway on the left covered by an awning.
Putnam Treasures
These vignettes depict birds (anhinga, sand hill crane, and swallow-tail kite) and animals (Florida panther, whitetail deer, and black bear) native to Putnam County.
High Time in Palatka
Remembering such entertainment as the circus, greased pig wrestling, and other amusements, this mural of the circus high-wire act shows one of many activities enjoyed by our residents.
Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie
Until 1910, cattlemen swam their cattle from Hart’s Point in East Palatka across the river into Palatka then drove them on to Paynes Prairie (near Gainesville) in the winter to fatten them for market.
Senator B.C. Pearce
Representing Putnam County, Sen. B. C. Pearce was instrumental in passing legislation which helped local farmers. Cabbages and potatoes are primary crops of this area.
Seats of Learning
Segregation was evidenced by the first two high schools in Palatka, Central Academy and Putnam High School. In 1923, Central Academy became the first fully accredited black high school in Florida. The black and white high schools integrated in 1969.
Mary Lawson Hospital
The hospital opened in 1918, first as a facility for African-Americans. Owned and operated by an African- American family, the Lawsons, this hospital was soon integrated. Both black and white patients were cared for by doctors and nurses of both races.
Harlem Nights in Palatka
The Belton Society Syncopates, comprised of Putnam County musicians, made it big in Harlem at the height of the Jazz Age. They often returned to Palatka on tour and brought with them many other big names of the age.
Train Station
Railroads, along with steam ships on the St. Johns River, brought thousands of winter visitors to Palatka in the 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and early 1900s. They also brought produce and lumber from the interior of Florida to be shipped north.
Annie Oakley
One of the most admired women in America in the 1890s and early 1900s, Annie Oakley brought her sharp-shooter show to Palatka in 1908. A large crowd, including women and children, not just trap and skeet shooters, watched her perform along the waterfront.
