The Forgotten Rivers of Jacksonville

8. Fort George River

 

Fort George River runs from Fort George Inlet, north of Huguenot Park, and runs in to the ICW. One place to visit along Fort George River is Fort George Island State Park and the Kingsley Plantation. Fort George Island State Park has the highest point along the Atlantic coast up to New Jersey. The park includes the Ribault Inn Club, several oyster shell mounds, and is basically right next door to Little Talbot Island and the Timucuan Ecological Preserve. The park offers biking and hiking trails, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and beach access.

The park is, of course, also home to the Kinglsey Plantation. The Kingsley family owned a 18th century plantation and their residency is still preserved today. Operated by the National Park Service, the Kinglsey Plantation offers tours of the grounds, which include exploring the slave quarters, barn, garden, and kitchen home. The plantation house itself may also be viewed.  


9. Nassau River


The Nassau River, viewed from the Nassau River Bridge. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District.

The Nassau River forms the boundaries between Nassau and Duval Counties. A notable place to stop near the Nassau River is Little Talbot Island. Little Talbot Island is an undeveloped barrier island with more than 5 miles of beaches. Little Talbot also offers many dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Activities at Little Talbot include bird watching, camping, surfing, picnicking, and hiking.

Neighboring Little Talbot Island is Big Talbot Island, another place you can visit along the Nassau River. Big Talbot Island is a nature preserve that offers kayaking, hiking, biking, and pavilions. Big Talbot also has a trail that leads to Boneyard Beach, a beach that has salt-washed trees scattered all over it.

Article by Kristen Pickrell. Contact Kristen at kristen@metrojacksonville.com