Palatka Urban Trail...

Memorial Bridge to Train Station

Starting from US 17 at the Memorial Bridge, the trail runs along 1st St. on an off-road bike path to Main St. It then runs through the North Historic District along Main St. as a bike lane, past homes, businesses, playing fields and historic sites. Main St. ends at 11th St., the trail continues straight, past the Amtrak train station and Railroad Museum (on the left).

Train Depot, Railroad Museum

The historic Atlantic Coast Line Depot (aka the Old ACL Union Depot) dates from 1908. Parking and restrooms are available, and historic railroad exhibits. The depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also houses the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society and the Browning Railroad Museum. This is an active rail line, the Amtrak stop is on a platform outside the depot.

Amtrak Station to US 17

From the station the trail runs next to the track to Madison St. where it crosses the track. It winds through west Palatka roadside, through business and residential areas along Madison and other roads. At 15th St. and Dunham St., it then runs on an old Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad railbed to trail end at US 17, about 3/4 mile.

A road route along SR 100 (Reid St.) continues west from here, about 2 miles, to the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail.

More in Palatka

Palatka (the Putnam County seat) is a Florida Trail Town, defined as destinations where trail users (whether biking, hiking, equestrian, or paddling) can go off the trail to experience the amenities and unique heritage of each community. Palatka checks all the boxes with its scenic riverfront, historic downtown, restaurants, accommodations, and as the center of the evolving Lake City to St. Augustine Trail and part of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop.

Memorial Bridge

Memorial Bridge spans the St. Johns River between Palatka and East Palatka, and serves as a connector between the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail to the east, and Palatka Urban Trail at the west.

• The four Doughboy Statues at the ends of the bridge commemorate those who served in World War I.
• The original Old Memorial Bridge is now a fishing pier and boardwalk. The Boardwalk loops under the new bridge, a safer link for walkers and bikers between Riverfront Park and the Palatka Urban Trail.

Riverfront Park and Marina

• The James C. Godwin Riverfront Park ("Riverfront Park") to the south of the bridge is a gem: 1/4 mile riverfront walkway with scenic river views, observation deck, covered stage, marina, playground, splash pad, parking and restrooms. Paths at the park are bikeable. The St. Johns River Center here is an environmental education center focused on the St. Johns River and its related wetlands eco-systems, their importance and conservation. The park also serves as trailhead for the Bartram Trail, tracking the route of the botanist and explorer John Bartram in the 1770's.
• From the parking lot at Reid St. (US 17) and Memorial Hwy., south of the bridge, a boardwalk (the old bridge) loops under the new bridge, creating a safe link to the Palatka Urban Trail.

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park

Observation deck

 

Memorial Bridge

Millennium Clock Tower

 

Veterans Memorial Fountain

 

USS Tang Submarine memorial

St. Johns River Center

Marina

At the Marina

"Bartram's Bass"

 

 

 

Boardwalk Link to Palatka Urban Trail

To Boardwalk from parking lot

Doughboy

On the Boardwalk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Palatka

Palatka's name comes from the Native American word Pilotakata, "crossing over" or "cow crossing." It developed as an important port along the St. Johns River, and later as a railroad hub. However, the Great Fire of 1884 wiped out the entire downtown. The city rebuilt, centered around tourism, lumber and citrus but the "Great Freezes" of 1894-1895 effectively ended Palatka's golden age.

• Palatka's central district, to the west of Riverfront Park, is undergoing a revitalization. The effort includes the Conley-Snyder Murals, mostly centered downtown along St. Johns Ave. These consist of over 30 murals by local artists depicting the historical, cultural, and natural riches of Palatka and Putnam County.
• Palatka has two historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
  - North of Main St. from First to Fifth St., the Northern Historic District contains 76 historic buildings.
  - South of downtown and bounded by the St. Johns River, the South Historic District contains 243 historic buildings.

Conley-Snyder Murals

Harlem Nights in Palatka 

Putnam Treasures

William Bartram - "Palatka" 1774

Honor those who have served!

Remember those who have fallen!

The Battle of Horse Landing

Wildflowers of Putnam County

North Historic District

St. Marks Episcopal Church (1853)

Bronson Mulholland House (1854)

Isaac Bronson Gravesite

Historic homes

South Historic District

Historic homes

Tilghman House (1884)

St. Monica's Catholic Church (1858)

Putnam County Courthouse (1909)

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

Palatka Area Overview
- Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
- Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail
- Ravine Gardens State Park
- Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

North FL Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

St. Johns River to Sea Loop

Related Resources:

City of Palatka - Visitor Guide

Support and Advocacy:
Putnam County Blueways & Trails CSO