National Park · U.S. Virgin Islands

Trails in Virgin Islands National Park

30 named trails · 36 miles · 9 trailheads · 9 with the Park Service's own write-up. The lines, trailheads and points are the Park Service's; the write-ups are the Service's own words; the climbing is read from USGS elevation along each line.

Open on the parks map Every park with trails Park on nps.gov

30 trails, A to Z.

Annaberg- Brown Bay Trail

1.5 mi one way · about 250 ft of climbing · 400 ft of descent · 11 ft–241 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Bordeaux Mountain Trail

0.9 mi one way · 900 ft of descent · 169 ft–1,046 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Cabritte Horn Trail

0.3 mi one way · 150 ft of descent · 83 ft–231 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Caneel Water Catchment Spur

0.2 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 150 ft of descent · 104 ft–510 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Charlotte Amalie Ferry

11 mi one way · about 60 ft of climbing · -4 ft–23 ft · water surface · ferry

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Cinnamon Bay Trail

0.7 mi one way · about 800 ft of climbing · 55 ft–854 ft · hiking

Trailhead Cinnamon Bay Trail 71 ft Drive there

Cinnamon Bay Trails the Park Service's write-up

15-30 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Cinnamon Bay Ruins

Meander through the ruins of the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. Smell the scent of the leaves from the bay rum trees, which were once used to make the famous St John Bay Rum Cologne. The boardwalk and nature loop are located across the road from the entrance to the Cinnamon Bay Campground. The nature loop is an easy 0.5 mile hike.

For a more adventurous hike, try the strenuous 1 mile Cinnamon Bay Trail which begins east of the ruins. Hike uphill through a shaded forest filled with several tall trees including mango, genip, guava berry, kapok, and mammee apple. There is a 0.38 mile spur off of this trail leading to the ruins of a great house known as America Hill. This trail ends at Centerline Road.

Accessibility Parts of Cinnamon Bay Loop are accessible. There is a boardwalk that meanders through the ruins suitable for strollers and wheel chairs.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Cowell's Trail

0.4 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 40 ft–246 ft · hiking

Trailhead Cowell's Trailhead 42 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Drunk Bay Trail

0.2 mi one way · 12 ft–16 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Europa Bay Trail

0.2 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 21 ft–95 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Francis Bay Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 17 ft–31 ft · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Francis Bay

Francis Bay Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-90 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Francis Bay Trail and Salt Pond

Frances Bay Board Walk and viewing platform

Francis Bay Trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory. It continues past the Mary's Point Estate house and around a salt pond. The dry tropical forest and salt pond provide an excellent opportunity to view birds. The lower portion of the trail is an accessible boardwalk that continues through the mangroves to the two viewing platforms.

Accessibility The boardwalk to the salt pond viewing platforms is wheelchair accessible. The rest of the trail is uneven and rocky. There is a steep climb from the parking lot at the Francis Sugar Factory to the beach and boardwalk. Those looking for easier access should park at the beach end of the trail.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

L'Esperance Trail

2.5 mi one way · about 900 ft of climbing · 64 ft–754 ft · hiking

L'Esperance Trail the Park Service's write-up

2-4 Hours · dogs allowed

Start L'Esperance Trail

L'Esperance Trail follows a historic Danish road passing ruins of some of the earliest plantations established on St. John. View the island's only baobab, a sacred tree species that was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. From trailhead to the beach is about 2.6 miles one way. Much of the trail faces west and lacks tree shade so be sure to wear sun protection and a hat.

For those fit and avid hikers a great option is to hike down either L'Esperance or Reef Bay and then back up the other. One can also take a ranger-led hike and learn about the amazing adaptations that emerged from the struggle for survival, both for the early settlers on the island and the wildlife that has a home here.

These backcountry trails are steep in places, uneven and rocky, and can be slippery even when dry – you'll need sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a sure foot. Take plenty of water, some snacks and a lunch, and a hat. Mosquito repellent is a good idea, too, and a swim suit if you'd like to take a dip in the ocean down at the beach at the end of the trail.

If you would like to join a ranger-led hike on this or the Reef Bay Trail visit Friends of Virgin Islands National Park or visit our Ranger Programs and Guided Tours page for more information about this and other guided hikes.

Accessibility This trail is not considered accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lameshur Bay Trail

1.5 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 15 ft–437 ft · hiking

Yawzi Point Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-50 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Yawzi Point

Located between Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay, this .3 mile trail is a good choice if looking for an easy hike. Stone ruins of homes from the Danish colonial period can be found alongside the trail. Small rocky beaches can be accessed by side trails for a quiet snorkel entry spot.

Accessibility This narrow rocky trail with slight inclines is not considered accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Leinster Bay Trail

1.1 mi one way · about 30 ft of climbing · 150 ft of descent · 10 ft–160 ft · hiking

Johnny Horn Trail the Park Service's write-up

2-4 Hours · dogs allowed · reservation required

Start Johnny Horn Trail

Distant boats dot turquoise water of varying shades on a brilliantly sunny day. — The views make the climb worthwhile!

This 1.8 mile strenuous trail begins at the east end of the Waterlemon Bay beach and ascends past historic sites on both sides of the trail. At the top of the first hill, a side trail on the left leads to a hilltop site with great views in all directions. The Johnny Horn Trail continues past the start of the Brown Bay Trail at 0.7 mile, to the near the top of Base Hill where there are good views of Coral Bay. Also, at this point there is a spur trail to the left that leads to the top of the hill with great views of Hurricane Hole and continues down to meet the main trail along the road. The main trail continues, following a road down to the paved road at the Moravian church in Coral Bay.

Accessibility The trail is steep and rocky in places. The first portion of the trail is a moderate climb and leads to great views and historic sites. Visitors may chose to just do this first portion and then enjoy the cool clear water of Leinster Bay.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lind Point Caneel Hill Spur Trail

0.2 mi one way · 100 ft of descent · 250 ft–355 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lind Point Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 15 ft–235 ft · hiking

Beaches

Along the way Honeymoon Beach

Trailhead Lind Point Trail 46 ft Drive there

Hike the Lind Point Trails the Park Service's write-up

20-40 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Lind Point Trail Head

The Lind Point Trail starts just behind the park visitor center and ends at breathtaking Honeymoon Bay or Solomon Bay. The trail offers several spurs one of which heads to the overlook. Stop and rest on the bench as you watch the boats sail by.

Accessibility This trail is not considered accessible as it is a narrow rocky trail.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Lind Point Water Catchment Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 177 ft–577 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lind Point-Caneel Hill Trail

1.9 mi one way · about 900 ft of climbing · 51 ft–797 ft · hiking

Trailhead Caneel Hill Trail 32 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Lower Lind Point Trail

0.8 mi one way · about 90 ft of climbing · 28 ft–87 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Maria Hope Trail

0.7 mi one way · 700 ft of descent · 105 ft–794 ft · hiking

Trailhead Reef Bay Trail 807 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Officer's Quarters Trail

0.8 mi one way · about 250 ft of climbing · 34 ft–244 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Petroglyph Trail

0.3 mi one way · about 90 ft of climbing · 60 ft–159 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Ram Head Trail

0.9 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 12 ft–163 ft · hiking

Trailhead Drunk Bay Trail 13 ft Drive there

Salt Pond Bay and Ram Head Trails the Park Service's write-up

5-20 Minutes · dogs allowed

Salt Pond is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beautiful beach. Just a quarter mile hike from the parking area to beach, has only a slight grade. The long curved beach has a gentle slope into the water making it perfect for everyone.

Accessibility The trail to Salt Pond Bay is an old dirt road which can be washed out at times.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Red Hook-Cruz Bay Ferry

3.6 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · -6 ft–17 ft · water surface · ferry

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Reef Bay Trail

2.2 mi one way · about 30 ft of climbing · 800 ft of descent · 13 ft–791 ft · hiking

Trailhead Reef Bay Trail 807 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Saltpond Bay Trail

0.1 mi one way · 10 ft–13 ft · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Saltpond Bay

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Shipley's Battery Trail

0.6 mi one way · about 150 ft of climbing · 40 ft–187 ft · hiking

History

Along the way Creque Marine Railway

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Tektite Trail

0.7 mi one way · about 150 ft of climbing · 250 ft of descent · 66 ft–336 ft · hiking

Tektite Trail the Park Service's write-up

20-60 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Tektite Trail Head

The trailhead can be found to the right of Lameshur Road at the first switchback. The .7 mile trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent on the Cabritte Horn Point. Hike through the desert-like terrain to reach scenic views atop coastal cliffs.

Accessibility This narrow rocky trail is not considered accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Trunk Bay Beach Access

0.1 mi one way · 12 ft–19 ft

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Upper Lind Point Trail

0.7 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 100 ft of descent · 49 ft–153 ft · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Yawzi Point Trail

0.4 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 19 ft–40 ft · hiking

Trailhead Yawzi Point Trail 20 ft Drive there

Yawzi Point Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-50 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Yawzi Point

Accessibility This narrow rocky trail with slight inclines is not considered accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

More hikes the Park Service describes

Write-ups that name no single mapped trail, in the Service's words.

Caneel Hill Trail · 30-60 Minutes · dogs allowed
Hiking trails in the park provide an excellent way to experience the beauty of the landscape and the rich natural and cultural history of the park/

About these trails

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-14 and simplified for the map. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do", unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.