Virgin Islands National Park offers 20 miles of hiking paths that share the islands' history and natural offerings. The mile-long Cinnamon Bay Trail leads downhill through the forest to the sea, while the Annaberg Historic Trail takes you to the partially restored ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation. There you'll find an old windmill, slave quarters, and huge kettles for boiling cane juice. Rangers lead treks on the Reef Bay Trail, a three-mile route that passes petroglyphs and ends at a white-sand beach.
Your rating for Virgin Islands National Park
Family Review of Virgin Islands National Park
Family Expert Favorite
FamilyExpert Rating
Recommended for:
Children of all ages
FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints
- Snorkel Trunk Bay early or late in the day to avoid cruise crowds. Rental equipment is available at the beach.
- Go on a hike with a park ranger or private guide.
- There's a Junior Ranger program here; pick up the workbook at the park's visitor center.
Beach Review of Virgin Islands National Park
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BeachExpert Rating
Recommended for:
Snorkeling
BeachExpert Tips & Helpful Hints
- The Reef Bay Trail is one of the prettiest hikes in the park. The three-mile path through lush forest winds past petroglyphs and the ruins of four sugar plantations before arriving at Reef Bay Beach.
- After enjoying the beach, hikers have the option of sailing to Cruz Bay or hiking out on the same trail.
- Camping is only permitted at Cinamon Bay Campground. There are 70 tent sites, more than half with platforms. During the winter, reservations are recommended four to six months in advance (340-776-6330).
Parks and Outdoors Review of Virgin Islands National Park
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ParksExpert Rating
Recommended for:
Birding,Camping,Day Hiking,Fly-Fishing,Freshwater Fishing,Nature,Scenic Drives,Sustainable Travel
Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints
- Rent a jeep and set out on your own to see the Virgin Islands National Park, but remember that although the island is part of the United States, driving is on the left side of the road.
- Get an entirely different view of the island from the sea when you charter a sailboat or catamaran.
- For the ultimate tropical outdoors experience, camp within the park at either Cinnamon Bay or Maho Bay.
Most of St. John is undeveloped thanks in a large part to Laurance Rockefeller, who acquired a about 60 percent of the island in 1956 and donated it to the U.S. government as a national park. Annaberg and Trunk Bay see the most visitors, but many
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Most of St. John is undeveloped thanks in a large part to Laurance Rockefeller, who acquired a about 60 percent of the island in 1956 and donated it to the U.S. government as a national park. Annaberg and Trunk Bay see the most visitors, but many areas of the park are popular with hikers and nature lovers. By getting a bit off the main tourist route, you'll find deserted beaches, coastal cliffs home to native and migrating birds, picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and lightly-traveled hiking trails studded with historic ruins and native petroglyphs. Park rangers organize guided hikes and other interpretive programs for the public. Check the schedule at the Visitors Center in Cruz Bay.
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Address:
1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John, Virgin Island
U.S. Virgin Islands
Parking:
Most of the park is open 24/7.
Telephone Number: 340-776-6201
Fax: 340-775-9592
Neighborhood:
Island-wide
The details, dates, and prices mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.
Review by Away
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