Top Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
5 Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands including Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, Reef Bay Trail, Francis Bay Trail, Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail, Bordeaux Mountain Trail.
1. Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Take a stroll along the self-guided Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which leads you through plantation ruins, tropical landscapes and scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Reviewed By MareO
There are many ways to experience the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail. You can do the short, easy, interesting walk around the sugar plantation ruins, or you can hike up to the top of the 1.8 fairly steep trail and/or take the American Hill Trail off of the Cinnamon Bay Trail to the ruins of an old guest house with an interesting history and a fantastic view. This was my favorite part and I highly recommend the American Hill Trail. If you are looking for a longer, more challenging hike, some of my friends went up the even steeper Maria Hope Trail, connected via the road and hiked down the Cinnamon Bay Trail.
2. Reef Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
This 2.2-mile hiking trail is one of the best on St. John: descend through a shady, moist forest and a dry forest, through visible remains of four sugar mills, pass by pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and end at a beautiful, pristine beach.
Reviewed By 789jennien
The length of this trail may seem like child's play and it may still seem that way as it is downhill most of the way...until your return hike back. We are relatively in good shape, but the hike back up the mountain is a doozy. However, it is so so so worth it. Little waterfalls, big trees, hermit crabs, and secret beaches make you feel like you're alone on the island. We had an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone that isn't afraid to break a sweat!
3. Francis Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This nature trail is a good place for birdwatching.
Reviewed By Elephanteric - Fort Myers, United States
If you take the boardwalk instead of going directly to the beach from the parking lot or walk nearly all the way down the beach, you will come to a shaded picnic bench that is almost never occupied. When I was there with my family, we could see large, green turtles poking their heads above the water. We also snorkeled with them. This area is very secluded and is very beautiful. There are definitely bugs, so bring repellent. If you hike the full trail, you will also get to the bench. This area is great and genuinely my favorite beach on St. John and I loved seeing turtles, frigatebirds, and pelicans. Highly recommended.
4. Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 160 reviews
The world's first marked underwater trail located near the shoreline, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
Reviewed By carolynl172 - Scottsdale, United States
We were one of the first to arrive here in the morning and brought our dingy onto the beach. We had the beach to ourselves and had a nice snorkel in the park. Was here in 1995 and there seem to be more fish then. Several people said the coral has been damaged by the hurricane, which is too bad. They have a nice bar and public showers and restrooms. There is also a snack bar that served yummy chicken salad wraps and hot dogs.
5. Bordeaux Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
Rising nearly 1,300 feet above sea level, St. John's highest peak offers breathtaking views of St. Thomas, St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands in the distance, and a scenic trail for the hike downhill to Lameshur.
