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Virgin Islands National Park: Hiking Trails

Lind Point Trail

(Distance: 1.1 miles, Approximate Time: 1 hour)

This trail connects the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz bay with Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. The trail ascends .4 miles to the scenic Lind Point overlook. The overlook is at an elevation of 160 feet and offers a great opportunity to take pictures of Cruz Bay. A side trail at .7 miles leads to Salomon Beach. The trail weaves through semi-dry forest and cactus scrubs.

Caneel Hill Trail

(Distance: 2.4 miles, Approximate Time: 2 hours)

This trail joins Cruz Bay with Northshore Road entrance to Caneel Bay. The trail leads up to a scenic overlook atop Caneel Hill. The overlook is at an elevation of 719 feet. The trail continues to Margaret Hill, elevation 848 feet, and then descends to North-shore Road.

Caneel Hill Spur Trail

(Distance: 0.8 miles, Approximate Time: 40 minutes)

This trail starts from Lind Point trail. It crosses Northshore Road at an overlook of Cruz bay and Caneel Bay. It joins the Caneel Hill trail at .4 miles.

Water Catchments Trail

(Distance: 1.0 mile, Approximate Time: 30 minutes)

This trail leads between Centerline Road and Northshore Road. The trail joins the Caneel Hill trail over a portion of its route.

Turtle Point Trail

(Distance: 0.6 mile, Approximate Time: 30 minutes)

Trail begins at the north end of the Caneel Bay Plantation. Hikers on this trail should enter the property and register at the front desk.

Peace Hill

(Distance 0.1 mile, Approximate Time: 10 minutes)

This short trail leads to a scenic grassy flat overlook with an old sugar mill tower. A road/parking area just off of Northshore road is the beginning point of the short hike.

Cinnamon Bay Self-Guiding Trail

(Distance: 0.5 miles, Approximate Time: 1 hour)

This trail passes through sugar plantation ruins and forested areas. Placards and signs along the trail indicate historical and environmental points of interest. The trail begins near the entrance to Cinnamon Bay campground and beach.

Cinnamon Bay Trail

(Distance: 1.1miles, Approximate Time: 1 hours)

This trail begins around 100 yards east of the entrance to Cinnamon Bay Campground. This forested trail leads up an old Danish plantation road and junctions with Centerline Road.

Francis Bay Trail

(Distance: 0.5 miles, Approximate Time: 30 minutes)

This trail begins at the west end of the Mary Creek road. The trail passes through a dry forest and leads past the Francis Bay Estate House and onto the beach. There is a mangrove forest and brackish pond at the end of this trail. A viewing area close to the mangrove forest allows an opportunity to bird watch.  Snorkeling is good from the beach. The deep-water around Mary Point should be avoided.

Annaberg School Area

(Distance: 0.2 mile, Approximate Time: 15 minutes)

This trail leads to ruins of one of the Caribbean's oldest public school houses. The school offers great views of Mary Point, Leinster Bay and Tortola.

Annaberg Area

(Distance: 0.2 mile, Approximate Time: 30 minutes)

This trail joins the paved Leinster Bay Road. A mangrove forest and shallow reef provides a good wildlife viewing area. Land crabs, wading birds and other marine animals are a common. A self-guiding walking tour of the Annaberg Plantation Ruins is a short distance uphill from this area.

Hiking Tips

Use a map to plan your hike. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Avoid hiking or swimming alone. Allow for sufficient time to explore, swim and rest. Remain on park trails - some trails cross private property, do not trespass into private property. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes. Sandals are not recommended. Sneakers are your best option. Protect yourself against the sun and insects. Bring water and snacks. Do not leave items or garbage on the trails. Make sure you leave with all the items you brought with you. Do not remove anything from the park property; this includes but is not limited to shells, rocks, artifacts, flowers, plants and animals. Pace yourself to prevent fatigue. Watch footing on wet rocks and trails made rough and slippery at times by heavy rainfall. Do not eat unknown fruits, nuts or berries. Some plants and fruits are poisonous and can cause allergic reactions. Do not touch unfamiliar plants. Avoid handling or picking plant life that may harbor stinging insects, cause rashes, scratches or skin punctures. Many plants have thorns beware, look but don't touch. Some ground covering scrubs cause severe itching - it is in your best interest to stay on trails. Do not climb on fragile historic structures. Leave artifacts in place. Hike early and return early.

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