Easy walk to boneyard beach with portable toilets and picnic tables - we had a problem with the cashless pay app. But the beach is unique and worth the trip. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Unique place.... - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This was very different to see, there's a long trial (8-10 min walk) that leads you to the beach. It's long and full of these deserted trees. Overall nice place to visit & see. read more

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One of my favorite spots to watch the sunrise. It's a little secluded and it's great for sunrise pictures, family & couple pictures as well. There is also a nearby trail that you can take when you want to go on a nice excursion. All the driftwood is pretty cool and adds depth to your pictures. read more

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this beach is beautiful with a bunch of dead trees on it. the trail is nice and they offer a bird viewing platform. read more

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Nature! We hadn't been to this state park in a while and the 1st thing is you pay your $3 admittance with your phone on with a scan picture! There are numerous picnic table under trees for a lovely lunch! The areas before to get to the beach, are now blocked off. There is a +/- mile walk thru a forested area to get to the beach. It is still eerily primitive with all the huge trees and limbs on the shore, washing down off of natural cliffs. We saw a family floating in the water (better beaches to swim at near here)and another preparing for a photo opt after their wedding (I'm sure they will be hot all dressed up). We enjoyed walking among the trees and seeing all types of creatures in the limbs! read more

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Beautiful beach for just walking and relaxing, quiet and relaxing, no crowds, ample parking.

Absolutely beautiful! Places to swim, fish and boat! There are nice sandbars but you definitely have to watch the tide to make sure you don't get stuck on the sandbars. Clean area! read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Five stars all the way. Why? Because this beach is a real treasure! Seriously a gem! I've been wanting to check out Big Talbot Island State Park and boneyard beach for sometime now. For some reason or another, I just haven't checked it out, until yesterday on my birthday, where we made a day of it. If you live in St. Augustine, this is a bit of a haul, but well worth the hour drive. Especially because I didn't have to drive and my husband did. We pulled into the park and it the lot looked pretty crowded. We did notice a bunch of people with blue tags in their windows and once we found a parking spot, I got up and walked around to see if there was an envelope station, where we could get a tag and pay. First, remember to bring $3 OR they do offer a QR code you can scan to pay virtually. I found the envelope stand right when you come in...we totally missed it, so I paid, and grabbed a tag. Once we did that we packed up our cart with chairs and some sand toys and were on the path to the beach. There are brown and white signs that tell you which way to go for beach access. In the lot where you park there are picnic tables and grills, so you can eat prior to the beach if you wish. I will say this walk to the beach seemed long (really long), so if you're bringing kids, chairs, toys, do yourself a favor and get a cart. There is a small hill and noticeable tree roots on the path, so be careful and watch your footing. Once we got to the beach access it's breathtaking. You see loads of driftwood trees, small spots where you can set up your umbrella and chairs and relax. If you're expecting to find tons of shells, this isn't the beach for you. If you're looking for spectacular views, calm water, and interesting background of trees, this is the beach for you. Pros: -Beautiful views -Calm water -Nicely kept up beach -Really interesting beach Cons: -Smaller parking lot -Longer walk to the beach -Doesn't allow pets Tips: Remember $3 for parking AND if you have kids that want to climb the trees, be sure to bring appropriate footwear....flip flops won't cut it. read more

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We were looking for a place to watch sunrise (we can't see sunrise over west coast beaches) and found this place from various websites. We just enter boneyard beach on GPS and followed to direction. Parking is free outside of the gate. There are interesting driftwood on the beaches which are photographed well. There are portable bathroom and picnic tables off the parking lot. I would recommend to bring insect/mosquito repellent and water. The sunrise is amazing and worthy to get up early for! I would definitely recommend this place when you are visiting Jacksonville. read more

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What to do when you eat yourself silly with turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, deviled eggs, and all the other scrumptious dishes that come with the Holidays?....why you find a nice park and go for a healthy hike or walk of course. In this case, Big Talbot Island State Park was just the ticket. Parking will cost you $3, and is on the honorary system - put your money in an envelope, tear off the rear view mirror holder tag, then drop your payment in the payment box. Once parked, to the left, there is a trail paralleling the beach through the heavily wooded area. The trail is nicely cleared and wide enough to accommodate both directions of travel by groups of visitors. Following the trail leads one to access to the beach. The beach is known as "Boneyard Beach", which I'm not sure of the origin of its name, but may be due to all the driftwood that is so prevalent on the beach. This beach is a wonderful place to walk, examine the driftwood and shells that have washed ashore, and observe the native sea life. It's a very relaxing (and healthy) way to spend an afternoon and I highly recommend you check this place out. read more

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WOW! Boneyard Beach is so cool! My son & future DIL have been here several times, and I'd seen so many photos of theirs that hubs & I wanted to experience it for ourselves. During our last visit with them in late August 2020, on a busy Saturday afternoon, the small parking area was so full that driving through was almost impossible. We ended up parking along the main road and walking back to Black Rock Trail, then walking another 10 minutes or so to get to the beach. But the effort was completely worthwhile! The huge pieces of driftwood and fallen uprooted trees are stunning, and the beach is incredibly pristine. Our visit was during a very low tide, and we were able to safely wade in the water. My son mentioned that on their prior visits, during higher tides, driftwood hidden below the waterline was a serious hazard. For this reason, going in the water is usually not a good idea, so this was the first time they had felt comfortable walking knee-deep into the surf. The sand here was incredibly soft, both on the beach and in the water, which made barefoot walking quite comfortable. The large exposed rock shelf further up the beach was a little rough on the feet, but definitely too interesting & unusual to skip. It's an equally fascinating area of natural geographic artistry. My son also mentioned that parking had not been as challenging on their prior visits, the first of which had been pre-pandemic. That's said, we did not feel like the beach was crowded at all. Despite the many cars, the beach area is so vast that small groups could easily avoid each other, especially since this isn't your typical sunbathing/relaxing beach and most people are on the move to enjoy this unique stretch of Florida. [#30 in 2020... self-motivating; I've been slacking in these pandemic times] read more

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Big Talbot Island State Park, home of Boneyard Beach! Visited in March on a really hot day. Gorgeous skies though, and all was serene. $3 per vehicle entry fee. From other reviews I thought this place would be a true hike from the parking lot, and a remote distance from your vehicle. This is deceiving. It was not a 20min walk like others said, more like 10 (with a toddler), and you can bike it if you choose. Also, the trail basically parallels the beach, so if you hacked 6' through the brush you'd be on the beach. It's clear they are working on dune protection, so this area is kept off limits. It was definitely frustrating to see roped off old stone staircases and former pathways that went pretty directly to the beach from parking. But those before us didn't take care of things, or nature has shifted its currents enough that we now need to take the long way around in order to steward this beach. However, it's really not a big deal. Get some exercise! Boneyard is similar to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, GA, and another beach in Amelia Island State Park. Sadly, these beaches are eroding and the live oak trees, palms, and others, are slowly dying, leaving majestic driftwood skeletal forms scattered across the sand. The trees are upright or upturned, or in a sagging slow fall to the ground, but their beauty in this state is our sick pleasure as tourists. Unlike Driftwood Beach, Boneyard Beach does NOT allow dogs. Dogs may walk the path to the beach but they may not go on it. I was dismayed to see litter strewn about Boneyard Beach. I have visited Driftwood Beach dozens of times, and I never see litter there. Boneyard, however, was disrespected with trash. You can see Amelia Island State Park across the water from Boneyard Beach. We entered Big Talbot Island coming south on A1A from Amelia Island, and basically the whole island is park territory but there was no entry gate (or place to pay) until you go to access Boneyard Beach. So from all I could research online, I think Boneyard is really the only thing to access and do at this park. Boneyard's parking lot is very cool, lots of little niches under the trees, picnic tables, port-a-potties, info board, etc. You pay in cash in an honor system box. I did not see a Ranger present but they were probably around. There were a lot of trails going various directions off of the parking lot, but the one to the beach is very well marked. Many people had trail bikes and were cycling around. The parking lot is semi-paved in parts, so make sure your vehicle can handle that. read more

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Not gorgeous, but GORGEOUS. Super views and soft sand, quiet and just an awesome atmosphere. We can for pics and stayed a while after to enjoy. We went to Boneyard Beach- it was a long path from the lot, but worth it at the end. Would be great for pics, a family picnic, or a nice walk. Feels like a mini escape. read more

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Do not miss this beach if you are in the Jacksonville area. Boneyard Beach is so unique with the driftwood and fallen trees. Not a great swimming beach since the water is not clear, but great to just lay back and watch the scenery. Lots of photo ops. There is a trail from the parking lot that takes you to the far end of the beach. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Took about a 3-mile walk here and it's one of my favorite places away from the flat lands of Jax. I especially enjoy going to Boneyard Beach on a weekday afternoon when there are hardly that many people. I could perch up on one of those bleached live oaks and admire nearby woodlands, dunes, and wildlife for quite some time. While Jacksonville is ever-so changing with urban development, it's nice to know that there is a place in Northeast Florida where nature takes over and we can pause to enjoy it. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Awesome, peaceful, "driftwood" beach. The history. Unspoiled Florida. This is something we have never seen and am so glad we visited the park. read more

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On a Cold Sunday morning (45'F), i convinced my family to drive to Boneyard beach from Jacksonville to Watch The Sunset. It was very well marked and we haven't had a problem finding it even before the sunrise while it's still pretty dark. The ramp was down, so we couldn't enter the official parking in a park (which you have to pay for), instead we ended up leaving the car on the left on a small grovel patch between the road and the park entrance. We walked by the ramp and into the park. Originally I thought 10 min walk to beach is exaggeration, but the path actually takes you 10 min north, thru woods, bushes, even at some point away from the beach where you become to wonder if this is really the only access to the beach. Yes! Just follow the path and eventually you will be rewarded with something quite surreal. Trust me, it's so worth it! read more

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I'm proud to be an Floridian! There's a plethora of state parks, beaches, streets, homes, not to mention that many have received the national treatment. Some of our beloved state parks are frequently visited with families soaking in that glorious year round sun, photographers capturing those candid moments of newly engaged couples and spontaneous picnic dates. Big Talbot Island is where the cool kids go, it's ok if you haven't been, the narrative can be changed. *Fluff I believe Folgers says it best, "The best part of waking up, is ..." I'll change it to the 5am preparation for a drive out to catch sunrise, getting sand in my shoes and being the only person to soak in God's creation. During my visits to Big Talbot I'm always curious as to what new experiences I'll have. Will I stumble across a wild animal? Am I going to view one of the best sky displays of the year? When driving down Heckscher Dr, you'll have to be mindful of the entrance because you could miss it. Little Talbot appears first and Big Talbot a few miles down the road. When you approach the parking lot, there's a donation box to drop in the entrance fee. The majority of these parks go by the honor system, please, be honest. The beach portion of Big Talbot is considered the Boneyard Beach, boneyard in reference to the driftwood that stretches miles down the coastline. This is where the beach gets its character, very unique in its own right. Ideal for picking shells, bird watching, paddling and bicycling. It's not crowded like some of the other beaches in the city, people usually don't think to come here but that's why I enjoy it. It's family oriented and well taken care of, which is why I wrote this review on today. *Overall As of today, April 22, it's Earth Day! We've all heard growing up protect the planet but it's more relevant now than ever before. We have a generation that's swayed by technology and doesn't think twice about being outdoors. Let's continue to show this planet love and compassion, let's leave it better than what we had it. read more

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Fantastic little chunk of paradise. If your in the area , pack a picnic and take a long walk on the beach. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Top 10 things to do in Jacksonville, hands down. This park is another example of why Jax is the best city in Florida - name another big city with an undeveloped Island just minutes away from their downtown and this is only one of many parks like it in the area. It's so special that I almost hesitate to leave a review as I want to keep it as secret as possible. Why is it so special? It's a beach on one side and estuaries on the other- meaning a ton of amazing wildlife and perfect for hiking, fishing, or a day at the beach. There are multiple small secluded beaches like driftwood beach where you may be the only ones there with no one else in sight. There is also a long running/biking trail and a long boardwalk along the western side. It's one of the first places I recommend when people ask what there is to do in Jacksonville! read more

We love Boneyard Beach! It's a great place to take the kids to explore and climb on the driftwood trees. Pack a lunch and make a day of it! There's a short hike to get out to the beach, but it's totally worth it. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Boneyard Beach - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Beautiful! There is a small courtyard area that has pavilions and picnic tables by a shaded yard where you can set up corn hole or other yard games. The facilities include two port-a-potties which were cleaner than I expected. We had lunch then walked the trail to the beach area. The sandy trail was about a 10 minute hike through a wooded area that was very green and it led to a tree-littered beach. There are so many uprooted gray trees making for a beautiful scenery. This island was a great spot for me because it satisfied my hiking and seaside craving in one trip. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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About 5 minutes north of Little Talbot Island State Park is Big Talbot Island State Park. There isn't a gate a gate to enter like at Little Talbot it's a small parking lot on the side of A1A to enter. On the east side of A1A going north you will see a sign that says Black Rock Trail. There will be a box with envelopes for you to put the $3.- entrance fee into. You take part of the envelope that has a number that matches the number on the envelope you paved into the box and hang this paper from your rear view mirror. After that you begin the long walk to Skelton Beach. Be ready, it's a long walk. It's so long we wondered if we took the wrong path at the parking lot and we were walking on a circular bike path. After the hike we saw the water and realized we now had to climb down about 8 feet to get to the beach. I wanted stairs for the $3 I spent on the side of the road. Lol The beach is really cool and a great place to take pictures. The kids were amused climbing the trees on the beach. It's not as good as Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia but if you go here you will experience something you don't usually see and will remember it for a long time. read more

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Big Talbot Island was picked by a friend who invited us along, specifically for "Boneyard Beach" which is a mile of sandy shore full of oak tree skeletons that are sun beached and beautiful. We parked at the northern most lot, where you pay with an honor system in envelope, at $3/car. I have to admit that I forgot to leave it on our way out as intended, and will put extra in next time. From there, you can take bike trails or a trail that leads to the beach. It's about .5 miles to the beach, and the path today was very muddy for about 1/2 of it. We definitely only took in what we could easily carry, especially with several little ones with us. But the walk paid off when we came to the view of the beach. There are posted signs that say "No Swimming" but we did wade out just a bit, careful to watch for branches and not too close to trees. We also spent a lot of time with kids climbing trees, and examining snails and creatures growing on the ones in the water. We saw only a few other people, and it's the most natural and serene beach you can imagine. It's worth the drive and the trek! read more

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Big Talbot Island is a bit off the beaten path...literally. It's a good ride from Jacksonville, but if you choose the Heckscher Drive route vs I-95, you're definitely getting a more scenic drive. First, the signage for the various different areas of the park is lacking. We put the address in our GPS and it actually took us to the entrance of Little Talbot Island. The ranger at the entrance directed us to travel further north for Big Talbot. Seeing as we were meeting friends, I knew this was going to prove rather confusing for our group to meet in the same spot! After stopping at yet another access point, where we were told it was only lengthy bike and nature trails and no picnic or beach access, we finally arrived to the main park. It was the "honor" pay system of taking a slip, inserting $3 into a cash box and placing the torn tag on the dashboard in your car. Once we parked, we found a picnic table near the wooden deck ramp leading to the water. We weren't permitted to go on the actual beach since we had our dog with us, so we weren't able to fully enjoy or really see that aspect of the park. The bathrooms, though I'm thankful are available, needed refreshing. I found the end of the toilet paper roll (no back-ups) and empty soap and hand sanitizer dispensers. Ick. So what does our $3 entry fee go towards? We had a nice night there, but will likely not return in the very near future. I'm going to stick to closer beaches. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Boneyard Beach - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great park for a little get away. Peaceful trails and a lovely beach view of the boneyard (old trees that have washed ashore) and black rock beach. Pet friendly along the trails, but not on the beach. Logistics for getting on the beach are not friendly to people with physical disabilities, as there are steep drop offs from the trail to the beach. Trails and beach are peaceful. read more

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If you are looking for an interesting beach- this is it! A photographers dream, the "Boneyard" beach has decades of trees- weathered and down on the beach from erosion. It changes every time you go. There is a lookout off the north parking lot- but it's better to get out on the beach. There is a trail through beautiful live oaks and palmettos that will lead you to beach access points. Because of erosion after storms- these access points can be steep. The visual treasure of walking among these ghosts of trees is breathtaking! Make sure to keep an eye out for critters- lovely colorful little snails love the underneath of these trees- especially the ones near waters edge! read more

Awesome place to take a walk on the beach. Compared the little Talbot, you couldn't swim here. The trees on the shore is a spectacular view. You can see people playing on the sand, sun tanning or fishing. You donate $3 at the entrance and get a parking tag. It wasn't much of a trail to walk. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I absolutely loved exploring this beach. We had a hard time trying to figure out the best way to get down, it can be a little tricky but once we walked along the trail we were able to find a good spot to climb down. The beach itself is nicknamed "Boneyard Beach". This name comes from the many trees that have fallen onto the beach due to beach erosion. Some of these trees turn this pretty shade of white, some turn other colors and each tree has its own unique shape. There is a trail and a little camping area if you wanted to have a picnic but there are no bathrooms (only porta pottys) or showers. I get truly excited when I find great new places to photograph as I dig that short of thing. This place is definitely a photographers dream and a must to visit at least once. read more

This park is a bit far and isolated for most, but oh is it unique and beautiful ! I first discovered it when our wedding photographers asked Ilya where we wanted to do our engagement photoshoot. After some online research I came across some pictures of it and fell in love!! It's absolutely stunning, with all the dry wooed trunks and branches laying on the water. It's got woodsy green areas and the ocean ! We loved it so much we went back for a second shoot there a few years down the road when I got pregnant and wanted pictures for our pregnancy reveal ! A must visit for anyone in the area ! read more

BTI State Park is a true escape from North East Florida. Located a short drive down Hecksher (you can take either 9A or the Mayport Ferry), this park is a novelty. Big Talbot Island is a great place for picnicking and photography. After you arrive, walk east. There is a small pavilion that overlooks the famous "Bone-yard Beach" and you will want a glimpse! The beach (BTI's ) is home to giant cedar and live oak trees that have fallen from the bluffs. These trunks have been salt-washed and dried in the Florida sun. It reminds me of an elephant graveyard. If you follow the hiking trail, you can gain access to the beach. The first stop had a straight drop down the sand cliff, but it seemed too daunting for this girl and her picnic basket! Walking down a little further lead us to another pavilion and eventually, an easier climb to the shoreline. The driftwood is truly amazing! It felt like a scene from a movie. You will be sorry if you leave your camera at home! The beach was relatively deserted, although families and a fisherman did show up as the day progressed. It was wonderful to see the kids' reaction to the giant sea-washed trees. One of them said, "This is the coolest jungle-gym ever!" If you want to showcase the beauty of Northeast Florida's sea islands, this is the place to do it. Great for kids and adults alike. Please note: they do not allow dogs on the beach and swimming in prohibited (wading is okay). Also, there were not any restroom facilities and picnic tables were limited. You might want to bring sneakers so you can easily climb the trunks, but do so with caution. Parking: When you arrive, the entrance has envelopes to use for payment. Leave your $3 (cash or check) in the drop box. Rip off the payment stub and hang it from your rearview. Click here for information about annual passes to Florida State Parks: http://floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm read more

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Big Talbot Island is one of my favorite places in North Florida. The beach is perfect for relaxing with unique surroundings. Driftwood and fallen trees make this place completely different than any other beach in the area.The park also has cool nature trails to walk. I would recommend bringing bug spray though. It also has access to a bike trail that attaches to a much larger trail. The trails are paved and include some great scenery. This is a must see place if you are in the Jacksonville area. read more

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We drove through the park which was easy to access and had plenty of parking. We didn't stay long but there was lots to see and do here! Very beautiful location. read more

As a Californian, finding trails I approve of is tough. But boneyard beach might get close enough. To end my Florida visit, we decided to drive here, away from all the apartment complexes, away from the strip malls, back to a place where we could see how Florida looked before it was developed. Boneyard Beach did not disappoint. California has beaches, as I learned so does florida. Overall, Big Talbot and Boneyard get four stars. The beach here is awesome, one of the best I have seen in Florida. Still, nothing I have seen on the East Coast beats my California beaches. read more

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Sometimes you just need a break from all the business. Big Talbot Island State Park is the perfect getaway. It's not far from most neighborhoods in Jacksonville, and the drive is beautiful- you may even see a cruise ship! There are all kinds of activities to keep you busy- kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, bird watching, and of course swimming. Right near the park is Kayak Amelia which has very affordable rates for kayak and canoe rentals. My favorite part of the park is Boneyard Beach. It's inexpensive to get into the park, there are several entrances to pick from. You can park and take a short hike to this awesome beach filled with fallen oak and pine trees. For the most part the shoreline is secluded which gives you unrestricted space to explore and enjoy. read more

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This is one of the best, most beautiful spots in Jacksonville. You don't need my words-look at the photos. read more

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I came here for a geology project and this place actually made me excited to do it. I was able to talk about plenty-erosion, the bluffs, weathering, etc. We actually saw an alligator while walking the beach too! read more

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Perfect peaceful place to just take a hike or photoshoot. I'd suggest to wear comfy shoes while hiking up to the beach. Theres lots of driftwood to hang your hammock up on. Might find a few shark teeth, shells, and rocks. Theres a post that says to not swim in the water.. but can swim at Little Talbot which is a few blocks down. $5 to get in & is pet friendly. read more

Big Talbot Island State Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Just got back from an amazing day at Big Talbot Island where my wife and I attended the Salt Marsh Brewgrass Festival. Amazing music by the Parker Urban Band from Brunswick, The Honeycutters from Asheville, and Flatland from Gainesvillle. The weather was as perfect as it could be. The food and beer was outstanding. Thank you North Florida Land Trust for putting on this event and a huge thank-you to YELP and Matthew C. for advertising the event over the last couple of weeks. I can't wait until next year. read more

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I went to this park and trail while on vacation with friends and three dogs upon making it to the beach, I discovered all dogs were covered in ticks from the path to the beach and ticks were on the beach. I noticed on the way back a man with a dog and notified him that there are tick which were visible on his huskies legs. It took 4 hours to de flea and tick shampoo all the dogs and unfortunately I picked hundred of burrowed ticks off these poor doggies. Be warned if you have animals going on the trail. It was a complete nightmare even though the beach was beautiful read more