USVI-On-Line

Does anyone know if this trail is still available. I saw Vie quoted as saying the trail was what used to be a public road and it is open to the public. But have also heard that someone else who lives along it says it is private and has posted no tresspassing signs. Anyone know the scoop? I've heard it's a great bay to snorkel.

http://www.seestjohn.com/trails_newfound.html

maybe this will help?

Thanks for these links. I've seen them and they're good. But I've also heard that there are no tresspassing signs. So, is it trespassing to hike there or is it ok? I hate to tresspass.

This is private property. Although a case might be made for its being a public right- of -way up to the ridge, I doubt that anyone could claim access down the other side.
If these items had not been posted online, it is probable that we residents could still be discretely enjoying this walk and shoreline.

I have a question...What about Fortsburg? Is it still owned by the Samuels family? Do you need permission to visit the ruins of the fort? Thanks..Parafins

So, it's ok to go there if you live there, but not if you're visiting? Or, it's on private property, but locals could get by with slipping in occasionally, but now that too many people have started coming, the owners have cracked down? Just curious?. . . We live in a rural area and I understand about tresspassing and don't want to do so. On the otherhand I also understand about cranky people who scream and yell if you get anywhere near their property line. I've also wondered about fortsburg ruins.

Most of the longer time property owners realize and accept that traditionally local foot traffic that has evolved over many years and that doesn't invade their privacy or destroy vegetation is hard to limit and generally don't mind - if they put up fences and signs it is because of publicity - online or in publications - that threatens to change the non destructive pattern of use into an uncontrolled and potential liability situation or an outright tourist attraction.
The nouveau - riche recent property buyers and speculators have a belief that all the private property laws combined with their borrowed banks money gives them ultimate control over their little piece of dirt - have you been to Ditleff Point recently just to stand in front of the locked gate and remember what 'used to be'?
Hey, money has always made the rules - it is legal and considered Progress.
Go to Newfound until they build a gate!!!

deejayjay wrote:Thanks for these links. I've seen them and they're good. But I've also heard that there are no tresspassing signs. So, is it trespassing to hike there or is it ok? I hate to tresspass.

The property owners are our neighbors and they are neither "nouveau - riche recent property buyers" nor "speculators." In fact, they are relatives of Ms. Vie. They do not wish for people to walk through their property, right past their home, uninvited. Seems a reasonable enough request. There is a gentleman who had purchased land above them years ago, and is unable to access it since there is no right of way or deeded drive. My father and I discussed this and I said, "Legally, you must be able to have access to your property." He responded, "Not down here in the VI."

Since the entire East End had been the property of a few dozen individuals up until a century ago, and many of them left their land to all of their descendants prior to strict book keeping, it's a mess. This cousin, that cousin both claim the land is all theirs and have little to no proof of sole ownership.

It's ironic that Ms. Vie says the trail is open to the public, but charges folks access through the community cemetery to the beach, which is also open to the public.

Hugo, I believe it is less a matter of someone posting it online and more an issue of the ladies not wanting uninvited guests. At the time it was posted online they had yet to relocate, but since they are presently residing there they ask for their privacy.

Thanks for all your advice and input. Too bad about all the mix ups in property ownerships and right of ways. How awful to own a piece of property, and not have a right of way to access it. Don't wish to cause anyone grief. So, probably will stay away for now.

EE, I know I was imposing my own dismay onto the situation. I believe very strongly that certain information should not go onto websites, or guidebooks. What was OK when we had 700 people (or even 2000), and 300-400 beds for overnight accommodation becomes problematic when we have a resident population of 5000 and overnight accommodation for more than another 5000.

hugo wrote:EE, I know I was imposing my own dismay onto the situation. I believe very strongly that certain information should not go onto websites, or guidebooks. What was OK when we had 700 people (or even 2000), and 300-400 beds for overnight accommodation becomes problematic when we have a resident population of 5000 and overnight accommodation for more than another 5000.

Amen