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Hi everyone!
I will be coming to St. John in February. I was there once in 1991 however it was very secluded (Caneel Bay Resort). Now my main focus is hiking the WHOLE island and learning of it's history; hopefully from some trained guides. Can anyone suggest how I might go about this?
I have heard of the Park Rangers giving tours and I will check into that, But whom else might be of service?
I will be staying this time in the Eco Tents (Concordia). I know I want to do Rams Head and the trail that goes by the Petroglyphs.
Can anyone suggest other hikes?
Thanks!
Dean-O
STJ is pretty much a do-it-yourself kind of place. I'd recommend getting a couple of guide books and heading out on your own. I like "STJ Off the Beaten Track" (here's a link: http://www.vitraders.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=V&Product_Code=21-54&Category_Code=gub
or "Feet, Fins & 4WD".
You'll find a wide variety of trails ranging from strolls to more demanding hikes. Reef Bay and Ram Head are the most popular. A favorite of mine (and much less travelled) is the Johnny Horne Trail that runs between Waterlemon Bay and Coral Bay with a cutoff down to Brown Bay.
The trail to Rams Head you can hike right from Concordia, you don't even need to drive anywhere. Just walk up to the driveway, turn left, walk down to the gravel service road, turn left again, and follow the trail markers. As far as a guided hike, the only one is the "Reef Bay Trail", which is led by a Park Service Ranger. It's not as rugged but you'll learn a LOT. for more information, go back a couple pages in this message board and look for "Canoebases STJ 6-page trip report". It's got a lot of information, including prices. Have a GREAT time!
Don't miss the nice little trail across from Cinnamon Bay through the ruins and up through the forest. Also the Lind Point Trail. Be sure to hike down to Solomon Beach. A beautiful and somewhat secluded beach.
Thanks everyone for teh great info! This is so awesome.
Bring lots of water, especially at Rams Head, long nice hike as Canoebase points out, and HOT!!!
There are tons of hiking trials on STJ.
As another poster mentioned, order Feet, Fins & FWD. They have a section in the book specifically for trail hikes. All the hikes they write about are rated for difficulty and described in detail. There are also maps.
I've not done any of the hiking cuz I'm 40lbs overweight, a smoker and have little tolerance for heat :).......but there are a lot of STJ fans who like the island specifically for the hiking.
Hey Lysa, the fact that you mentioned this means you are a hiker under the weight and the cigarettes. You go girl, and just drop the cigarettes a little and start hiking slowly. The weight will come off and you'll have a ball. When in STJ ,just hike slowly and you won't miss a thing making slow hiking actually beneficial in the hot climates. Its there waiting for YOU.
Make sure to take the short hike from centerline road to Margaret hill. It's by far the best views on the island. I think it's often overlooked... the parking spot is unmarked.
