LITTLE TALBOT ISLAND STATE PARK - Dune Ridge Trail
LOCATION: 12157 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 PH: 904-251-2320 LENGTH: 4 miles TYPE: Loop RANKING: Easy ACCESS: 8 am - sundown USAGE: Moderate FEES: $3 per vehicle MAPS: yes at park entrance SURFACE: Dirt, sand & beach FEATURES: Beach PET FRIENDLY: No dogs permitted on the beach
Little Talbot Island State Park is located 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Florida and is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida.
The Dune Ridge Trail loop winds four miles through marsh and beach. The trailhead is past the ranger's station from the parking lot. Most of the trail is in the forest and then you will come across a set of dunes. The trail will then open up to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The last mile and a half is on the sandy beach. This was my favorite part of the trail with the breeze and away from the mosquitos. I recommend sturdy shoes for this hike and remember your sunscreen and mosquito spray.
DIRECTIONS: Located between Jacksonville, FL and Fernandina Beach, FL on highway A1A. From I-95 or 9A, take Heckscher Drive east. Follow the signs to the park.