The island is made up of maritime forests, desert like dunes, and undisturbed salt marshes. The diverse habitats inside the park are home to river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a variety of native and migrating birds. Little Talbot Island remains one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida.
The park features a ravine that was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the St. Johns River. In 1933, the ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden. For the most part, the original landscaping remains as formal gardens and an extensive trail system.
A series of foot trails offers the public an opportunity to walk and observe wildlife. Mud Spring trail leads the visitor on a two mile self-guided looped walk to Mud Spring Picnic Area. John's Landing trail meanders along old road beds to the St. Johns River.
The park is an island in the middle of the river and is reached via a ferry that runs every few minutes. Hammock Hiking Nature Trial offers an approximately 3 mile round trip to the large Indian shell mound at the southwest corner of the island.
Blue Spring encompasses 2,644 acres and is a popular winter home to many endangered manatees. Temperatures in the spring remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the manatee during the cooler months and a cooling swim for humans during the long hot days of summer.
