Natural Escapes in Northeast Florida

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Big Talbot Island State Park

Photo Credit: visitjacksonville.com

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Little Talbot Island, near Jacksonville

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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Stroll along the beach at Anastasia State Park.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

With majestic marshes perfect for birding, primo paddling trails and hikes that lead you back in time, northeast Florida offers great places to get away from it all.

Here are three spots to discover on your next visit.

Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks

Birders are oftentimes photographers, or vice versa. Either way, Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks are renowned for incredible photographic and birding opportunities. Boneyard Beach, with its massive rock formations and trees that have been bleached white by sun and sand, has long been a shutterbug’s wonderland. Kayak Amelia, the paddling service provider for both parks, offers guided tours in the area, or you can rent a kayak and head out on your own into the salt marshes. There, you will see Roseate Spoonbills, American Avocets and Clapper Rails – just to name a few. No need to stay off-site; full-facility camping is available at Little Talbot Island State Park. Both parks are located within 20 miles of downtown Jacksonville.

Discover Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks, Anastasia State Park and the Graham Swamp Conservation Area.

Anastasia State Park

Combine four miles of pristine beach, salt marshes, estuaries and some of Florida’s best coastal hammock campsites, and Anastasia State Park is what you get. Set up your tents or RV (believe me, you’ll want to stay a few days), and start out on a short and shaded walk along the Ancient Dunes Trail. Strolls along the beach are terrific year round. Plovers and terns are common, and keep an eye out along the water for dolphins and whales. Rent a kayak or canoe from the Anastasia Water sports, located inside the park, and head into Salt Run, a tidal estuary that’s teeming with tri-colored herons, green herons and wood storks. Make Anastasia State Park your basecamp when exploring the St. Augustine area – it’s just a few minutes to the historic downtown area and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which was built in the 1600s.

Graham Swamp Conservation Area

Head south of the town of Palm Coast in Flagler County and you’ll find the Graham Swamp Conservation Area, a 3,000-acre freshwater swamp that protects the headwaters of Bulow Creek. The 6.5-mile, off-road bike trail at Graham Swamp is one of the finest in northeast Florida. It features moderately challenging terrain and includes fast straightaways, steep climbs and swift downhill sections. Bring along a camera and combine a ride on the off-road trails or on a section of the paved Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail, with a wildlife watching or photography trip. Rather walk? Spend some time hiking or geocaching at Graham Swamp – the trails are terrific, but can sometimes be wet during periods of heavy rain, so plan accordingly.

If You Go

Besides binoculars, cameras and your GPS, make sure to bring along a few essentials. Pack a hat, a cell phone, sunscreen, plenty of water and a snack.

• Big Talbot Island State Park, 904-251-2320
• Little Talbot Island State Park, 904-251-2320
• Graham Swamp Conservation Area, 386-313-4020