Route description:

To follow this trail, launch at Kayak Amelia and head south down Simpson Creek. Turn around where Simpson Creek and Fort George River meet, and paddle back to Kayak Amelia. This trail takes the average paddler approximately one and a half hours to complete 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

Intersection of Simpson Creek and Myrtle Creek:
30º 27´ 7.4´´ -81º 25´ 22.9´´

Turn-around point:
Intersection of Simpson Creek and Fort George River
30º 26´ 25.9´´ -81º 25´ 17.8´´

Warnings:

This trail cannot be paddled at low-tide. High boat traffic may exist at the intersection of Simpson Creek and Fort George River. Take a GPS unit to keep you oriented.

Points of Interest:

This is one of the most scenic trails in the guide, and 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 Bluffs overlook Boneyard Beach, famous for the salt washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.

This trail also takes you along the western shoreline of Little Talbot Island State Park. Little Talbot Island State Park has more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes. Wildlife in the park includes river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds.

At the turnaround point, you will be able to see Fort George Island Cultural State Park on the southern and western banks of the Fort George River. A site of human occupation for over 5,000 years, Fort George Island has historic sites, hiking trails, fishing, restrooms, and drinking water. A launch point is located on its northern shores behind the Ribault Club.