Activities
XPark Ranger led programs are held every Saturday and Sunday
Join a park ranger to explore the flora, fauna and cultural history of the Talbot Islands. Programs are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Examples of Park Ranger choice programs include:
  Guided nature trail walks Beach walks
  Wildflower walks Sea Turtle Programs
  Island history talks Marsh Walks
  Talbot Critters  Outdoor gourmet
  Sea Islands Puppet Shows
  contact ranger station 904-251-2320 for more info
Park Ranger Aaron Rodriguez describes the critters that call the Talbot Islands home
XXXPark Ranger led programs - Upcoming schedule
Program title Date Time Meeting place Info
FL Sea Turtles

Sun July 6

 2:30pm Little Talbot Island St Pk

Join a park ranger and learn about the lifecycle of the sea turtle and the importance of these creatures.
Shark Teeth Sat July 12 11am Ribault Club "I found a shark's tooth!" Has this happened to you ? It's definitely a possibility if you're visiting one of the pristine beaches of the Talbot Isalnds State Parks. Join a Park Ranger for a discussion on the different types of shark teeth that can be found.
Beach Walk Sun July 20 2:30pm Pavillion #6 Join a Park Ranger for a walk on the beach as they explain the importance of undeveloped beach habitat, including many interesting facts about sea creatures and common shells found in the area
Talbot Critters Sat. July 26 11am

Ribault Club

Join a Park Ranger to learn about the species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida.

FL Sea Turtles

Sat Aug 2

 11am Little Talbot Island St Pk Join a park ranger and learn about the lifecycle of the sea turtle and the importance of these creatures.
Animal Signs Sun Aug 3 1pm Ribault Club Join a Park Ranger for a presentation and leisurely guided hike through different Florida ecosystems on a quest to characterize tracks left by an assortment of critters.
Barrier Islands Sat Aug 16 11am Big Talbot Island State Park "the Bluffs" Join one of our knowledgeable park rangers for an informative talk on the natural history of sea islands and their important role in coastal ecology. The topics addressed will include beach erosion, island migration, island formation and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today.
Secrets of the Salt Marsh Sun Aug 24 1pm Ribault Club Join a park ranger and discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system.
Talbot Critters Sat Aug 30 11am

Pavillion #1

Join a Park Ranger to learn about the species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida.

 
Little Talbot Island Ranger Station 904-251-2320  
DIRECTIONS TO LITTLE TALBOT ISLAND
DIRECTIONS TO THE RIBAULT CLUB
Directions to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve

  From I-95 or SR 9A: take Heckscher Drive/ A1A north over the Fort George Inlet bridge. From the bridge proceed approximately 2 miles. Little Talbot Island State Park entrance will be on the right.

From Amelia Island: take A1A south over the Nassau Sound bridge. From the bridge proceed approximately 6-7 miles.  Little Talbot Island State Park entrance will be on the left.  From the Ranger Station proceed down the park drive to beach pavilion 10.

From I-95 or SR 9A: take Heckscher Drive/ A1A north past the St Johns River Ferry. Turn left at the Fort George Island entrance.

From Amelia Island: take A1A south over the Ft George Inlet and past the entrance to Huguenot Park. Turn right at the Fort George Island entrance. After the entrance turn proceed 1.8 miles on Fort George road bearing right at the fork in the road. Proceed past the Episcopal Church and continue until you see the Ribault Club. Parking lot is across the road from the Club.
From I-95 or SR 9A: take Heckscher Drive/ SR 105 northeast to New Berlin Road, turn left. At the intersection with Cedar Point Road turn right.  From Cedar Point Road turn left onto Pumpkin Hill Road.  The parking lot for the state park will be on the left approximately one mile down Pumpkin Hill Road. 
From Amelia Island: take A1A (turns into Heckscher Drive) south to New Berlin Road, turn right.  At the intersection with Cedar Point Road turn right.  From Cedar Point Road turn left onto Pumpkin Hill Road.  The parking lot for the state park will be on the left approximately one mile down Pumpkin Hill Road.
 

There is a wide variety of activities available here in the Talbot Islands State Parks. Kayaking, horsebackriding, Segway tours, fishing, hiking, camping.

Kayaking - The Long Island Outfitter concession is operated by Jody & Ray Hetchka of Kayak Amelia (904)251-0016.They offer guided kayak tours of the salt marsh.Beginners are welcome. All tours are planned to go along with the current to give guests plenty of time to work on kayaking skills and enjoy the sights. There are also canoes and kayaks available to rent.

Horseback Riding -Kelly's Seahorse Ranch (904)491-5166 offers trail rides in Amelia Island State Park. One of the few places in Florida where you can ride on the beach.Trail rides start at 10AM, noon, 2 & 4PM and last about 1 hour. Reservations required.

Fishing - The mile long bridge that previously connected Amelia and Big Talbot Islands is a perfect fishing spot. Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle (904)277-9772 (on the Amelia side of the bridge) can supply you with bait and gear for all your fishing needs. Fishing pole rentals available.

Segway tours - Explore the trails through Ft. George and Talbot Islands with Ecomotion Tours 904-251-9477. Knowledgeable guides use headsets to communicate with you along the tours so as not to disturb nature. Segway riding training session is provided at beginning of tour.

Camping - Is only allowed in the campground on Little Talbot Island reservations can be made through Reserv-America 1-800-326-3521.

Hiking - Trails are located in each of the Parks- Big Pine and Black Rock can be accessed from A1A on Big Talbot Island, there is also a trailhead near the ranger station on Little Talbot Island. On Fort George Island you can hike the old golf course.

Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks

12157 Heckscher Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32226

 
Questions about the parks