USVI-On-Line

Returning to STJ this January after our addiction started in June. This time, the wife and I will be alone with Grandma flying up to watch the 4 kids. While the island was incredibly fun with the munchkins, we are looking forward to returning to do all of the stuff that is prohibitively difficult to do with a 2 year old such as a dinghy day, lots of drinking, total silence , and hiking.

We have the usual awesome books on STJ, but we're looking for advice on the best hikes on the island. Any advice?

We are all STJ addicts here! I love to start out hiking on the Lind Point trail. It is great "first hike"- easy to get to, not real steep, not too long, and what a terrific prize at the end! Solomons AND Honeymoon!
I also LOVE the Ram Head Trail- the end is the southern-most point of STJ. Gorgeous, mouth dropping vistas and gorges. Make sure you do it in the morning and then after, spend the day at Salt Pond.
On my list for next trip is Reef Bay Trail...and Caneel.

Hi, Muhaha --

Looks like we're going to be on STJ at the same time as you. Should be a nice break for you from that icy Chicago winter (I grew up there).

A good set of trail maps is available from Trail Bandit at http://www.trailbandit.org.

TM

Our favorite has always been the Johnny Horn trail. Great views, good variety. I also enjoy it because we've rarely seen anyone else on the trail. And I love walking down into Coral Bay to take a break before heading back. I get great satisfaction from sitting in Coral Bay and looking up and digesting the fact that we've just walked over that mountain.

We loved doing Reef Bay on our own- all the way down; all the way up. A challenge and about 4 hours, I think, but great!

We have done part of Johnny Horn- there are some AWESOME ruins overlooking Waterlemon Cay and Leinster Bay- gorgeous. I would love to do the rest of it- maybe next time.

Also love the short hike down to Solomon...

Look at the Trail Bandit map. I highly recommend 20 and 24. Reaching each trailhead requires a committment of time. The hike from Little Lameshur has the added bonus of a return to the beach for lunch, beverages, and a long swim. The Great Seiben Trail follows the old road to the ruins.