Talbot Island State Parks

Talbot Island State Parks are Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island State Park. Little Talbot is 17 miles from Jacksonville. The park has 2,500 acres of island. Big Talbot Island State Park is to the north. Little Talbot was acquired in 1951, but it opened in 1952. Big Talbot was not founded until 1982. Both parks are open from 8am to sunset. The Island and parks are unique because of their lava deposits or hardpan. These form from mollusca shells, oysters, and crab that have decayed over time and turned to rock.

Shells, crab, and oysters are still within the park system in the tide pools. Big Talbot State Park has Blackrock Beach. The beach is reachable through Blackrock Trail. There is also a parking lot at the trailhead.

Among the features of Little Talbot are forests, salt marshes, and dunes on the western side. River otters, birds, rabbits, and bobcats are some of the animals found on the island. Both state parks on the island offer full campground facilities. Little Talbot Island State Park has a bath house, boat ramp, playground, and nature trail. Biking and canoes can be rented and taken throughout the park.