The 8 Best Hikes in Virgin Islands National Park

Are you looking for the best hikes in Virgin Islands National Park? I have you covered!

My husband and I spent nine full days exploring St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park in search of the best trails.

Nine days on an island nine miles long definitely gave us ample time to cover ground. We visited every beach, trail and historic site in the park. In this guide, we’ll cover our 8 favorite hikes.

If you’d like an in-depth post about Virgin Islands National Park, make sure to read: 14 Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park.

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Virgin Islands National Park Hiking Tips

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Practice Leave No Trace

• If you’re unfamiliar with leave no trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)

• Harsh sun on the island, folks – use sunscreen and apply frequently.
• I swear by this sunscreen, it’s reef-safe and very effective. I’ve re-purchased it 3 times since our trip!

Wear hiking boots with good traction

• Even though the trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip on hikes, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes.
• These are my hiking boots, and I’d sleep in them if I could. Yes, they’re that good!

Be gentle

• Stepping on the exposed tree roots actually harms the trees and causes them to degrade over time. Step over roots whenever possible.

Be prepared

• Bring insect repellent during summer months and a light rain jacket regardless of the season.
• Check trail conditions before heading out!

https://youtu.be/703bZ-5zQ2s

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Virgin Islands National Park Best Hikes

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#1. Reef Bay Trail

• Difficulty Level: Difficult
• Distance: 6 miles out and back
• Estimated Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,200′

Hands down, the most memorable hike in Virgin Islands National Park. It’s downhill the entire way to the beach, so the way back up is steep!

The hike takes you directly to sea, but make sure to check out the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins before you taking a dip. They’re some of the most intact ruins on the island – don’t miss them.

The highlights on this trail include ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall, as well.

Note: you will needy sturdy shoes on this hike as the tree roots grow onto the trail and may cause tripping hazards.

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#2. Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 2 miles out and back
• Estimated Hiking Time: 30 mins – 1 hour
• Elevation Gain: 900′

The Cinnamon Bay Natural Trail leads you directly to America Hill Ruins (my favorite ruins in the park).

The trailhead is across the street from the Cinnamon Bay parking lot, a boardwalk marks the start of the trail. The first part of the trail requires an uphill effort, but I promise the views are worth it!

I enjoyed this hike so much I wrote an entire post about it. Read: America Hill Ruins.

Note: you will needy sturdy shoes on this hike as the tree roots grow onto the trail and may cause tripping hazards.

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#3. Peace Hill to Denis Bay

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: .5 miles out and back
• Estimated Hiking Time: 20 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 90′

We found Denis Bay by accident. We planned to catch sunrise at Peace Hill Ruins and noticed a sign leading to Denis Bay.

Intrigued, we hiked further towards the sea and ended up at the bay. We had the entire beach to ourselves! We did notice that the area surrounding the beach had homes and lawns – that’s private propert.

NOTE: Denis Bay is open to the public, but the area surrounding the bay is private property. Please be respectful and don’t go on private property (signs are posted).

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#4. Ram Head Trail

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 2.3 miles out and back
• Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 315′

The Ram Head Trail is one of the best hikes in Virgin Islands National Park because the views from the top are breathtaking. Truly.

This hike is on the east side of St. John where the climate is dryer, so instead of lush, over-grown forests you’ll find cacti.

The trail begins at the south end of Salt Pond Bay Beach. After you pass the beach, continue on the right (along the water’s edge). The trail will going into a bushy area before opening at a rock beach.

Keep going until you see signs marking the trail that will lead you directly to a crest 200′ above the Caribbean Sea. One mile may not seem like much but the hike is steep at certain parts.

Note: this hike is VERY rocky, I recommend sturdy closed-toe shoes.

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#5. Francis Bay Trail

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 1 mile loop
• Estimated Hiking Time: 30 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 30′

The trailhead starts at the Francis Bay Beach parking area.

This is a great little hike for stretching your legs because it isn’t very long. Most of the trail takes you down a boardwalk and then drops you off at the sea. We snorkeled in this area with massive schools of fish for an hour.

Tip: this is considered one of the best bird watching spots on the island.

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#6. L’Esperance Trail

• Difficulty Level: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 5.2 miles out and back
• Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

The L’Esperence Trail ends at that same sugar mill ruins as the Reef Bay Trail. However, this hike follows a different route and passes by the ONLY baobob tree on the entire along.

That alone is worth the hike!

If you’re more adventurous than me (way to go!) why not hike down the Reef Bay Trail and return up the L’Esperance Trail?

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Hikes Outside of Virgin Islands National Park

If you’re open to hiking outside of Virgin Islands National Park, these two hikes can’t me missed – in fact, they were some of our favorites.

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#7. Johnny Horn Trail

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 3 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 900′

This hike leads directly to the Windy Hill Ruins, the ruins cannot be missed, take my word for it.

We enjoyed this trail so much we hiked it twice during our stay. The sweeping views from the overlook are striking. It’s steep and there isn’t much protection from the sun, so make sure to bring a hat and wear sunscreen.

After your hike take a dip in the ocean! Waterlemon Cay is often considered the best snorkeling spot on the island.

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#8. Kayak to Whistling Cay

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 45 mins – 1 hour each way

I know what you’re going to say – this isn’t a hike. You’re right, but this is still adventure, my friend, and you will get a workout!

Kayaking to Whistling Cay was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. We had an absolute blast! The trip over to the cay was fairly easy, but the way back had us beat because we were going against the current.

When we arrived on the cay, we explored the ruins inside and out and snorkeled along the shore. The snorkeling in this area was our favorite from the trip. Highly recommend!

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BEST Hikes in Virgin Islands National Park

In sum, the BEST hikes in Virgin Islands National Park are:

1. Reef Bay Trail
2. Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail
3. Ram Head Trail
4. Peace Hill to Dennis Bay
5. Francis Bay Trail
6. L’Esperance Trail
7. Johnny Horn Trail
8. Whistling Cay

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And there you have it folks, our nine day trip summed up by our 10 favorite hikes in the park.

I hope you enjoy your time in Virgin Islands National Park, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

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Happy hiking,

Antonina

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