Park Overview

Whether transported by ferry or drifting along A1A North, just north of Little Talbot Island, awaits Big Talbot Island State Park. Part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, this sea island is a natural outdoor wonderland for park visitors and wildlife ecosystems.

With a variety of short trails and sandy beaches, you can get away from it all at this popular Northeast Florida state park. Hike along the shoreline (Black Rock Trail), encounter the salt marsh (Big Pine Trail), or stay dry on a path through the maritime forest (Jones Cut).

Black Rock Trail offers access to Boneyard Beach via a ½ -mile wide, grassy path through pinewoods and saw palmetto to view some of the oldest rock formations in the world. Big Pine Trail is also a short ½ -mile jaunt through southern magnolia, tall pines, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss and resurrection fern. This trail leads to a salt marsh overlook of Simpson Creek where snowy egrets take flight.

Park History

In 1735, General James Oglethorpe declared the Talbot Islands in honor of Charles Baron Talbot, Lord High Chancellor of England. During British reign (1763-1783) and the Second Spanish era (1783-1821), the preserve was used for plantation agriculture, home to citrus, sugar, indigo, and cotton crops.

In 1984, Big Talbot Island opened as an official Florida State Park. Today, as one of Florida’s rare undeveloped barrier islands, the park offers visitors numerous recreational activities, such as biking, swimming, hiking, boating, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Our Adventure

Tales of coastal erosion and sun-bleached live oak and cedar trees lure us to Boneyard Beach. One access to this popular roadside tourist attraction is at the Bluffs, named for the 30-foot bluffs unique to this area. After a pause at the cozy picnic area, we opt for a leisurely, 0.3-mile stroll down to the beach via the Shoreline Access Trail / Buccaneer Trail. We twist and turn along this maze-like trail toward the sunny shoreline through cedar trees.

Boneyard Beach

Approaching beach access, we encounter the dinosaur scene. Years of saltwater and sun exposure, the white, bone-like trees are toppled onto the sand like uncovered sea creatures. We walk along the shoreline, swinging our legs over leafless, lifeless trunks. Families reap adventure photo ops and frolic around shelling and fishing. Finding a large, downed oak tree, we play balancing games in the sunlight, while the waves crash upon shore. After reliving our childhood memories of climbing trees, with salt and sweat in our eyes, we leave the beach and take our adventure to the woods.

Big Talbot Island Trail System

• Black Rock Trail

• Shoreline Access Trail / Buccaneer Trail – 0.3 miles

• Big Pine Trail

• Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut Trail

• Timucuan Trail – paved 6.5-mile multi-use trail (part of the East Coast Greenway)

Things to Do

• Hiking and Biking

• Beach – surfing, fishing, kayaking, paddling, shelling

• Picnicking

• Bird watching

Explore More:

Nearby Adventures at other Talbot Islands State Parks: