Betz-Tiger Point was acquired by the City of Jacksonville in 2003 through the “Better Jacksonville” and “Preservation Project” initiative. Located between Edwards Creek and Pumpkin Hill Creek, these 525 acres of pine flatwoods and maritime forest offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as gopher tortoises, deer, turkey, a variety of birds and much more while exploring the trail network and scenic views of the surrounding broad expanses of saltwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy miles of nature trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, picnicking, kayaking and fishing. Kayak launches can be found at the north end of the property within the Edwards Creek Day-Use Area as well as just a few hundred feet south of the Preserve entrance within the adjacent Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Click here to view/print the trail map for Betz-Tiger Point Preserve as well as find other trail maps and paddling guides.
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Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve; a premier location for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. Big Talbot’s shoreline is unlike any other in Florida. Centuries of wind and water have eroded the exposed coast, creating a 20-foot bluff along the shore. The park’s famous boneyard beach is covered with the skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the ocean. On the estuarine side of the island a boat ramp provides access for fishing and touring the salt marshes. Visitors can picnic at the Bluffs access overlooking the water, then take a stroll down the Shoreline Trail to the walk the beach or sunbathe.
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Waterfront campsites, a bird observation area, and gorgeous views of some of North Florida`s remaining natural areas await visitors to Huguenot Memorial Park. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the park also offers swimming, fishing, surfing, a boat launch area, camping, picnic shelters, restrooms, and shower facilities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. A new playground, palm huts and native garden were installed in 2021. Accessible features includes playground, picnic table, trail, and camping.
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The area is located on a peninsula formed at the confluence of Julington and Durbin creeks, and has approximately nine miles of shoreline along the two creeks. The peninsula is a long sandy ridge that grades into floodplain swamp and marsh along the creeks’ shores. Natural communities consist of sandhill along the higher areas near the center of the peninsula and flatwoods at the lower elevations. The preserve contains extensive floodplain wetlands, providing water quality and floodplain protection for both creeks and the St. Johns River. Known wildlife at the preserve include bald eagle, osprey, gopher tortoise, bobcat, turkey, deer and numerous species of wading and songbirds. Manatees seasonally swim in both creeks. Recreational activities include hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, birding and nature study.
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Located on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Hanna Park boasts sunny beaches, freshwater lakes, and wooded campsites. The park features 1.5 miles of sandy beaches. Dolphin Pavilion is available for oceanfront rentals for meetings, weddings or reunions. Hanna Park`s 60-acre freshwater lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, paddle boats, and canoes. Lakeside picnic tables and grills are available, and scenic hiking and mountain bike trails surround the lake and wind through the lush green forest. The lake area includes a 2021 renovated quarter-acre water playground with colorful fountains and playful water-squirting devices. In April 2019, an adaptive kayak launch project was complete. Brooks Rehab uses the adaptive kayak launch facility to host adaptive recreation programs along with Hanna Park's concessionaire, Adventure Kayak Florida.
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With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes, and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife. River otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a variety of native and migrating birds can be seen here. Anglers find excellent fishing in the surf and tidal streams. Bluefish, striped bass, redfish, flounder, mullet, and sheepshead are common catches. Other popular activities are hiking, swimming, canoeing, and surfing. The park has a full-facility campground, as well as a youth/group tent campground. Beachside picnic pavilions are available for visitors to the park. The segment of 1A of the Timucuan Multiuse Trail System is 2.10 miles located within the State Park.
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