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Reef bay trail question?
Reef bay trail question?
We are first timers on the trail and we are wondering if it is rocky, steep or mostly an even dirt trail!
Thanks Still trying to figure out the right shoes!
Thanks Still trying to figure out the right shoes!
reef bay trail question
Thanks for your advice - goin out shopping for Reef Bay Trail shoes!!!!!!!
Tennis Shoes
A few tips from someone who is on record making this trail a lot harder than it needs to be:
1) Wouldn't go as far as to say hiking boots are necessary, but I would definitely go with a good pair of tennis shoes...Tevas, Keens are okay, but you're going to want the ankle support as there are several "sometimes" creek beds crisscrossing the trail with rocks that like to roll.
2 In your backpack include plenty of water and granola bars, sunscreen, and bug repellent, and hopefully a cell phone that works...optional but good to have: band aids, neosporrin, and if you sweat like me, extra dri-fit shirt and extra pair of socks. Also if you're going to swim in the bay, I would not recommend hiking back in your bathing suit if you're a guy...3 miles in a wet bathing suit equals chafe-o-polooza.
3) From trailhead to Genti Beach (Reef Bay) and back including a side trip to the Petroglyphs is almost six miles round trip...the only really steep part is the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile and from the Petroglyph turn off down to the Sugar Mill and Genti Bay is practically flat.
4) At this time of year, I'd definitely recommend hitting the trail no later than 7:30 or 8am and returning no later than noon or 1...the trees provide a nice canopy, so you're not going to get sunburned, but it also makes for sauna-like conditions and even though you may not feel like you're hot, chances are good you're losing a lot more water weight than you think you are...drink your water at steady intervals, even when you're not thirsty.
5) Hopefully it rains hard the night before your hike...that way the waterfall is really going at the Petroglphys. Also, if you're not a super athlete, I'd wait to read all the placards pointing out the sites along the trail until the ascent back up...they're spread out nicely and make for good rest stops on the way back up...it's a good climb as you're going from sea level to close to 1000 feet in less than a mile or so. And you'll soon learn the real meaning behind the phrase, "straight up the gut."
So hello to the Soldier Crabs for me and tell them I'll be back...and next time, I'm bringing the thunder with me.
Happy trails.
1) Wouldn't go as far as to say hiking boots are necessary, but I would definitely go with a good pair of tennis shoes...Tevas, Keens are okay, but you're going to want the ankle support as there are several "sometimes" creek beds crisscrossing the trail with rocks that like to roll.
2 In your backpack include plenty of water and granola bars, sunscreen, and bug repellent, and hopefully a cell phone that works...optional but good to have: band aids, neosporrin, and if you sweat like me, extra dri-fit shirt and extra pair of socks. Also if you're going to swim in the bay, I would not recommend hiking back in your bathing suit if you're a guy...3 miles in a wet bathing suit equals chafe-o-polooza.
3) From trailhead to Genti Beach (Reef Bay) and back including a side trip to the Petroglyphs is almost six miles round trip...the only really steep part is the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile and from the Petroglyph turn off down to the Sugar Mill and Genti Bay is practically flat.
4) At this time of year, I'd definitely recommend hitting the trail no later than 7:30 or 8am and returning no later than noon or 1...the trees provide a nice canopy, so you're not going to get sunburned, but it also makes for sauna-like conditions and even though you may not feel like you're hot, chances are good you're losing a lot more water weight than you think you are...drink your water at steady intervals, even when you're not thirsty.
5) Hopefully it rains hard the night before your hike...that way the waterfall is really going at the Petroglphys. Also, if you're not a super athlete, I'd wait to read all the placards pointing out the sites along the trail until the ascent back up...they're spread out nicely and make for good rest stops on the way back up...it's a good climb as you're going from sea level to close to 1000 feet in less than a mile or so. And you'll soon learn the real meaning behind the phrase, "straight up the gut."
So hello to the Soldier Crabs for me and tell them I'll be back...and next time, I'm bringing the thunder with me.
Happy trails.
It’s not about yesterday or tomorrow...It’s about today, for come what may – Sun, rain, or hurricane – we've only time for a smile, and none for sorrow
He is now wise. 54b, aka Sisyphus, was lucky at the time of the Hike from Hell. A hangover, an old pair of huaraches, no water, a goal without a plan, and the love of a woman who does not tollerate whiners...Lovermont wrote:Listen to 54b for he is very wise. And we're all happy that he is alive and well so that he can share his great wisdom about hiking the Reef Bay Trail.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.
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It's like I never say, "ask not what the forum can do for you...but what you can do for the forum."
My pain, your gain.
And I wasn't wearing huaraches ...they were espadrilles made out of hemp.
Or at least I think they were. i don't remember, I blacked out above 800 ft. elevation.
My pain, your gain.
And I wasn't wearing huaraches ...they were espadrilles made out of hemp.
Or at least I think they were. i don't remember, I blacked out above 800 ft. elevation.
It’s not about yesterday or tomorrow...It’s about today, for come what may – Sun, rain, or hurricane – we've only time for a smile, and none for sorrow
reef bay trail question
Thanks for all your valuable info 54b. I will take your advice. Soldier Crabs will appreciate your "regards" i'm sure!