America Hill ruins with a panoramic view of Maho Bay, Francis Bay, and Mary's Point.
Photo courtesy of Parnicza/NPS.
The Caribbean Sea pictured from Ram Head Trail in Virgin Islands National Park.
NPS Photo.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities on St. John. Virgin Islands National Park provides a wide variety of hiking experiences and more than 20 trails to choose from. We offer an accessible boardwalks that meander through historic ruins or take you to a bird viewing deck on one of our lovely salt ponds. For the adventurous, you can put on your hiking shoes and take the Reef Bay Trail down to the petroglyphs, and then down to the old Sugar Mill which is near a lovely beach. Check out Plants to Avoid before you head out. Stop by the Visitor Center store, operated by the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, to pick up a copy of the Hikers Guide to Virgin Islands National Park for information on all our trials.
Hike safely!
Plan your hike with a map.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, ½ gal of water for each four hours of hiking is minimum recommendation.
When walking on the road please walk facing traffic when possible.
Notify friends where you are going and when you will return.
Many trails have limited (or no) cell phone access!
Plan for ample time to allow for uphill terrain, exploring, swimming and enjoying the scenic rests.
Stay on the trails. Do not trespass on private property.
Many trailheads have limited parking so plan to carpool or takie a taxi.
Wear cool, loose clothing and comfortable sturdy walking or hiking shoes.
Use Insect repellent, especially during rainy seasons.
Sunscreen is always recommended. Use Reef Safe sunscreens to protect our coral reefs
Trail Safety
Avoid hiking or swimming alone.
Pace yourself to prevent fatigue and watch your footing on wet rocks.
DO NOT eat unknown fruits, nuts or berries. Some are poisonous.
Avoid handling or picking vegetation. Some cause severe rashes or may have stinging insects,
Do not climb on the fragile, historic structures, and leave all artifacts in place.
Avoid hiking on our narrow roads whenever possible, and use extreme caution in cases where walking the roads is unavoidable.
Do not leave valuables unattended at any time.
"Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints"
Reef Bay Trail is a strenuous hike that will take you past some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. Danish sugar plantation ruins, stone walls from cattle grazing, and ancient rock carvings left behind by the pre-Colombian Taino can be found along the trail. During rainy season the waterfall can be spectacular.
L'Esperance Trail follows a historic Danish road passing ruins of some of the earliest plantations established on St. John. View the island's only baobab, a sacred tree species that was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. From trailhead to the beach is about 2.6 miles one way. Much of the trail faces west and lacks tree shade so be sure to wear sun protection and a hat.
Francis Bay Trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory. It continues past the Mary's Point Estate house and around a salt pond. The dry tropical forest and salt pond provide an excellent opportunity to view birds. The lower portion of the trail is an accessible boardwalk that continues through the mangroves to the two viewing platforms.
Meander through the ruins of the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. Smell the scent of the leaves from the bay rum trees, which were once used to make the famous St John Bay Rum Cologne. The boardwalk and nature loop are located across the road from the entrance to the Cinnamon Bay Campground. The nature loop is an easy 0.5 mile hike.
For a more adventurous hike, try the strenuous 1 mile Cinnamon Bay Trail which begins east of the ruins. Hike uphill through a shaded for
Located between Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay, this .3 mile trail is a good choice if looking for an easy hike. Stone ruins of homes from the Danish colonial period can be found alongside the trail. Small rocky beaches can be accessed by side trails for a quiet snorkel entry spot.
The Lind Point Trail starts just behind the park visitor center and ends at breathtaking Honeymoon Bay or Solomon Bay. The trail offers several spurs one of which heads to the overlook. Stop and rest on the bench as you watch the boats sail by.
Salt Pond is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beautiful beach. Just a quarter mile hike from the parking area to beach, has only a slight grade.
The trailhead can be found to the right of Lameshur Road at the first switchback. The .7 mile trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent on the Cabritte Horn Point. Hike through the desert-like terrain to reach scenic views atop coastal cliffs.
