It's easy to island hop in northeast Florida. Barrier Islands: Cumberland, Amelia, Big Talbot, Little Talbot
It’s easy to island hop around the Amelia Island area. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Amelia Island is uniquely situated, so visitors (and residents) can easily explore several barrier islands, snugly located together for logistical ease. Slightly north of Amelia is Cumberland Island, GA (a protected National Seashore), and to its south is Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands (Florida State Parks). Fort George Island is just 3 miles south of Little Talbot Island. (The Florida islands/state parks are located off Heckscher Drive which is the only road leading on/off Amelia Island’s southend.)
November happens to be a great time to learn about coastal nature and wildlife on barrier islands with Florida State Park programs at the nearby Talbot Islands and Fort George Island. See below upcoming free events focusing on coastal nature: coastal critters, salt marsh ecosystems, and coastal ecology. Note that EcoMotion Tours offers Segway Tours of Little Talbot Island and Fort George Island (read more about Segways at end of this article…)
For those unfamiliar with the area, Little Talbot Island offers over five miles of lovely beachfront. This gem of an island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Hike through maritime forest, see magnificent sand dunes, and enjoy undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island. The park’s natural habitat is rich with coastal wildlife. There’s potential opportunity to glimpse a large variety of native and migratory birds, and possible sightings of river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, gopher turtles, armadillos and more. Little Talbot has a campground (book campsites online via Reserve America). Frequent coastal nature education programs are offered at the park. Call Little Talbot Island State Park at 904-251-2320. Ever wanted to try Kayaking? Kayaking via Long Island Outfitter concession (beginners welcomed), operated by Kayak Amelia (904)251-0016.
Big Talbot Island is known for its unique “Boneyard Beach.” This visually interesting shoreline is the resting place of dead trees that have been weathered into natural works of art — a photographer’s fantasy land. The salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore transform the Big Talbot Island beach into an intriguing place to explore with camera in hand. The Florida Park Service warns that the use of a metal detector is prohibited in the park and removal of driftwood or artifacts from the park is also prohibited.
GET AN APPRECIATION OF THE SCENIC BEAUTY AROUND THE WATERWAYS AND TALBOT ISLAND AREA BY WATCHING VIDEO BELOW FEATURING AERIAL VIEWS FOR NAVIGATING THE BARRIER ISLAND AREA BY BOAT. THE NOVEMBER 2009 SCHEDULE OF NATURE EVENTS HAPPENING IS BELOW THE VIDEO…
ANIMAL SIGNS
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Description: Join a Park Ranger for a presentation and leisurely guided hike through different Florida ecosystems on a quest to characterize tracks left by an assortment of critters. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
Description: Join a park ranger and discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
BARRIER ISLANDS
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join one of our knowledgeable park rangers for an informative talk on the natural history of sea islands and their important role in coastal ecology. The topics addressed will include beach erosion, island migration, island formation and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
TALBOT CRITTERS
Date: Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Description: Join a park ranger to learn about the many common species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
SEGWAY TOURS AVAILABLE WITHIN TALBOT ISLAND STATE PARKS, FLORIDA
Photo courtesy of: EcoMotion Tours "Island Exploration on Segway"
Rather not walk? How about a cool ride? Visitors can now explore the beauty of these barrier islands as never before—on Segways®. EcoMotion Tours is one of Talbot Islands State Parks’ visitors service providers operating on Little Talbot Island and nearby Fort George Island. For those who are unfamiliar with a Segway, it’s a two-wheeled, battery-powered device that you step onto and drive around, responding to the way you lean. “These eco-friendly transporters are quiet and easy on the trails, providing a wonderful way to explore nature without disturbing its inhabitants, ” according to Florida State Parks. The tours are narrated, and Segway riders are equipped with a wireless headset so the guides can point out the fascinating plant and wildlife life.
Ecomotion Tours provides helmets, orientation and training to ensure everyone has a relaxed and safe experience. While no experience is necessary, there is a minimum age requirement (13 years old) and a weight requirement (between 100-250 pounds) to participate on a Segway tour. Also, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guided trips include instruction, interpretation, bottled water, and a snack. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. One hour Segway tours are $55, 2-hour Segway Tours are $85 (prices subject to change — Call Ecomotion Tours for further information 904-251-9477).
ABOUT VISITING CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA
Cumberland Island, Georgia is located just off Amelia Island’s northern tip. (You can clearly see this island across the Cumberland Sound from Amelia Island’s Fort Clinch State Park — another wonderful, natural park to explore here.) Drive north on I-95 from the Amelia Island area and take the St. Mary’s exit (about a 30 minute drive from Amelia Island). A ferry, the “Cumberland Queen,” provides round trip service from St. Marys, Georgia to Cumberland Island (get further Cumberland Island ferry schedule information by calling 912-882-4335).
According to the National Parks Service, Cumberland Island, GA is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world. Cumberland Island has one of the largest maritime forests remaining in the United States and one of the largest wilderness areas in a National Seashore on the east coast. Daily visitors are limited to 300 per day (this is a 17.5 mile long island — it’s bigger than Amelia Island).
You really have to see Cumberland in person to fully comprehend this island’s beauty and serenity. If you have the time, devote a full day just for Cumberland Island, one of the best experiences available to those visiting the area (weather permitting), but most suitable for those physically fit who can easily walk around to explore (or able to ride a bicycle). When you arrive via the Cumberland Queen Ferry, you will be walking around the island. Be sure to pack your own food and drinks, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent (no public vehicles, no stores, no restaurants on Cumberland Island). READ MORE ABOUT CUMBERLAND ISLAND IN AMELIA ISLAND LIVING’S TRAVEL GUIDE SECTION.
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SOURCE: EVENT INFORMATION FROM THE FLORIDA STATE PARKS
