USVI-On-Line

What are everyones favorite hikes on St. John? Are there any hikes that take you through lush forest areas? I am not so interested in the hot, dry hikes without a lot of shade, I've heard the Ram Head trail is like this. Any suggestions for hikes to beaches? Thanks!

Just back from STJ and did the Ram Head hike (my 4th time) and I loved it. It wasn't too hot and dry although there are areas without shade (and it is January). We found the view to be awesome and the breeze at the top was very strong and refreshing.

I also love the sounds of the waves on Blue Cobblestone Beach and the fact that it is rocky compared to Salt Pond right next door.

We then went over to Drunk Bay and saw the "creatures" for the first time - very breezy and lots of neat creations.

Works up a sweat for a swim at Salt Pond.

Tracy

Hi Carebare,

The Ram Head hike is not tough at all if you do it in the morning. Lots of great views even though shade is limited. When you get on top past Blue Cobblestone, there will probably be a cooling breeze.

A shady hike on the north shore is the Cinnamon Bay trail. If you do that one, I suggest you start at the bottom and go up and back down, rather than start at the top on Centerline Road.

If you're up for a long hike, the Reef Bay trail hike is mostly in shade. Many people only do the downhill part and get picked up by a boat (the ranger guided hike). Taking the spur to Genti Beach might get you a private beach (we had it all to ourselves). The hike back up will have you sweating, shade or no.

The Brown Bay trail is a pretty easy hike. We went in the morning and had Brown Bay all to ourselves for about an hour and a half.

Carebare-
The Lind point trail is very gradual and shaded and takes you to Honeymoon or Solomon Beach. If you go to the top of the first hill( Caneel trail?) outside of Cruz Bay, there is another trail that is steep but also shaded and leads to a split where you can also get to these two beaches. It is much more of a challenge especially on the way back up but is good for working off some of the calories from the liquid refreshment (rum) enjoyed on the beach.

Hi Carebare,

Have you seen the Trail Bandit's web site?

http://www.trailbandit.org/bandit.htm

The Brown Bay hike from the East End Road is a nice hike. It's generally in the shade and you get to see and hear large hermit crabs scurrying about on the trail:



If we recall the hike is 0.8 miles each way and you get to swim/snorkel in a fairly deserted bay.

Our favorite is the Johnny Horn Trail, although much of it is kind of hot and dry. It runs from Leinster Bay over to Coral Bay with a cutoff that goes down to Brown Bay. there are stretches where you're in the trees. It comes down into Coral Bay by the Moravian Church. It's got great views, good variety and few (if any) other people on the trail. It is a demanding hike, though, and if you don't really like to hike, it would just be a lot of hard, miserable work.

I don't have a lot to add, but I did a few hikes. They all had there own neat characteristics, I'm into hiking. If your looking for a lush forest with a lot of shade type of hike, I'd recommend the reefbay hike from the road. It's been talked about to death here, but its one way down, then one way UP. It's not a bad grade, and at's 90% shaded and nice with lots of wildlife (Bob and Anita, nice pics by the way)
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Ram Head is definitely my favorite. No other trail seems to have quite the same pay off as getting to the top of that one.

That said, Reef Bay, Brown Bay, Cinnamon Bay trail and Peace Hill were also not disappointing. Obviously, bring your bug spray.

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone. I'm hoping to do at least a few hikes while we're there. Great trail pics Dave a roni

I have done very few but I took the plunge in a big way with the Ram Head hike this past November. LOVED it. It was a little bit painful, but I am not what anyone would call in excellent shape.

Go early, take lots of water and enjoy!

You can find a complete, if somewhat insane, recounting in my trip report at http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0.

Carebare - essential reading before and during your hikes (pick up a map at Jolly Dog)
http://www.trailbandit.org/