To follow this trail, launch at Kayak Amelia and head north up Simpson Creek. Turn around where Simpson Creek empties into the Atlantic Ocean and head back to Kayak Amelia. This trail takes the average paddler approximately three hours round-trip. Kayak Amelia charges a $1 fee per person launching a kayak at its facilities.

GPS Coordinates/Address:

Launchpoint and endpoint:
Kayak Amelia
30º 27´ 37.3´´ -81º 25´ 42.0´´
13030 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32226

Warnings:

Simpson Creek is shallow near Kayak Amelia at low tide. You may have to port your kayak through the mud in areas at low tide. Strong currents and/or waves may exist near the turn-around point where Simpson Creek empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Points of Interest:

This trail takes you along the southeast shoreline of Big Talbot Island State Park, a nature preserve located on one of Florida’s unique sea islands. It is a great location for fishing, bird-watching and photography. The park has restroom facilities, picnic tables, hiking trails and beaches. Visit The Bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The unique beach is famous for the salt washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.

The turn-around point of this trail is at the northwestern tip of Little Talbot Island State Park, where Simpson Creek drains into the Atlantic Ocean. Little Talbot Island State Park has more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, a four-mile hiking trail winding through diverse habitats, excellent fishing, a campground, restrooms and picnic facilities. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. Wildlife in the park includes river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds.