Nature Is Real: LIttle Talbot Island State Park

Location
Little Talbot Island State Park has more than 5 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches and is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Little Talbot Island State Park is on Little Talbot Island, 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville on State Road A1A or 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL. The park covers the entire 2,500-acre island. Big Talbot Island State Park lies to the immediate north.

Habitat and Wildlife

Maritime forests, desert like dunes, and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. Because Little Talbot is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, it provides many different natural habitats. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife for viewing, including river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds. Gopher tortoise and snakes can be seen throughout the park. The shoreline provides ample opportunity to view shorebirds and the backside of the island is a haven for wading birds. Follow the Little Talbot Hiking Trail over a cross section of ecosystems and Nature Man guarantees that you will be delighted and surprised at what you may find.

Beaches
Little Talbot offers five miles of beautiful beaches, second to none in the entire state of Florida. Two parking areas and five boardwalks make access to the white sandy beaches easy for surfers and swimmers. Three bathhouses and outdoor showers are also provided for your beach enjoyment.

Full Facility Camping
Little Talbot Island State Park campground is nestled among ancient dunes in a lush maritime hammock of live oaks, American holly and southern magnolias. There are 40 campsites with 20 or 30 amp electricity, fresh water, fire rings and picnic tables. The campground offers full laundry facility and two bathhouses with hot showers. A dump station is available for RV campers. Winding tidal creeks border the western edge of the campground where a canoe/kayak launch is available. Bicycles can be rented at the ranger station.

Fishing
On the 5 miles of beach available, Little Talbot is a surf fishing paradise. The coastal salt marsh on the "back" side of the island offers superb light tackle angling. Redfish, flounder, trout and black drum have been caught in good numbers from these "back" waters. The canoe/kayak launch provides the perfect access point for fishing.

Hiking/Nature Trails
Little Talbot offers the opportunity of sampling a complete cross section of a coastal barrier island. Exposing a good variety of the island's wildlife, the Nature Trail is anchored at one corner of the campground and provides a comfortable walk of approximately one mile. Another trail, the Dune Ridge Trail, winds four miles through five distinct natural communities, including maritime hammock, beach dune and depression marsh and finish the last mile and a quarter with a breathtaking stroll on the white sandy beach. Be sure to take water, sun screen, and insect repellent.

Picnicking

Thirteen large pavilions are available in the picnic area for reservation. Phone reservations can be made Monday - Friday by contacting the Ranger Station at 904-251-2320.

Shelling
Shelling and sharks tooth hunting are the favorite pastime of many visitors and the beaches of Little Talbot Island are one of the best places to find them in North Florida. Collectors can find a multitude of species of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster, and periwinkle. Plan your shelling around low tide and search the "shell line" where the highest waves stop as they come upon the beach and deposit groups of shells.

Nature Man Photography is pleased to bring you the following: