Cinnamon Bay Trail St. John
Hike through lush forest to a stunning beach and historic ruins on St. John.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cinnamon Bay Trail St. John
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through lush forest to a stunning beach and historic ruins on St. John.
"A moderate hike with rewarding views, leading to a beautiful beach and fascinating historical ruins."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good shoes are essential for the rocky and sometimes steep trail sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The heat and humidity can be intense; stay hydrated on your hike.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 15 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cinnamon Bay Beach
End of the trail
Powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling await at this stunning beach.
America Hill Great House Ruins
Along the trail
Explore historic plantation ruins with breathtaking views of the coastline.
+1
Tropical Forest Hike
Cinnamon Bay Trail
A moderate 1.1-mile hike through lush greenery with unique rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Accessing the Beach & Ruins
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good shoes are essential for the rocky and sometimes steep trail sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The heat and humidity can be intense; stay hydrated on your hike.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Spiderwebs and bugs are common, especially in overgrown areas.
📸 Capture the Views
The trail offers scenic vistas of Cinnamon Bay and the coastline.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good shoes are essential for the rocky and sometimes steep trail sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The heat and humidity can be intense; stay hydrated on your hike.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Spiderwebs and bugs are common, especially in overgrown areas.
📸 Capture the Views
The trail offers scenic vistas of Cinnamon Bay and the coastline.
🏊♀️ Snorkel at the Beach
Cinnamon Bay Beach is known for its clear waters and marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cinnamon Bay Trail for its beautiful destination beach and the historical intrigue of the America Hill ruins. The hike itself is considered moderate and offers lovely shaded sections, though it can be hot and humid. Some reviewers note overgrown areas and spiderwebs, recommending sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
"Less steep than the roads, this is practically flat! I parked at the top of the hill and walked down. There are only three steep parts where there are rock stairs. Otherwise, the trail is pretty moderate. Good for trail runs! There are a lot of spiderwebs across the trail, and one place where a bush is totally over the trail and I had to crouch down to walk under it. I did not go to the beach at the end, though it looks very close. If there were more water, there would be three creek crossings."
M Hernandez
"Your average trail with one lookout point into Cinnamon Bay. I did the ascend (bay to hilltop) in approx 45 minutes. Super hot and humid. Bring lots of water!"
Kathy Xu
"Hiking the Cinnamon Bay Trail was an unforgettable experience! This moderate 1.1-mile trail winds through lush tropical forests, offering scenic vistas and unique rock formations that showcase St. John's stunning natural beauty.
The trail's highlight is the breathtaking Cinnamon Bay Beach, with its turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing, this picturesque beach is a must-see. Along the way, keep an eye out for unique rock formations and tropical vegetation.
To make the most of your hike, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. With its moderate difficulty, the trail is suitable for most hikers. The Cinnamon Bay Trail is an absolute must-do on St. John, offering an immersive experience in the island's stunning coastline and natural beauty.
Rating: 5/5. Highly recommended!"
Amalia Hartling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cinnamon Bay Trail can be accessed from Cinnamon Bay Beach or from Centerline Road. Parking is available along the road near the trailhead.
While there are trails connecting different parts of the island, direct access from Cinnamon Bay Trail to Reef Bay Trail without a car might be challenging due to terrain and potential impassable sections. It's often recommended to use a car or explore other access points.
Public transportation on St. John is limited. Renting a car or taking a taxi is the most common way to reach trailheads like Cinnamon Bay.
It might be possible to hike between Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay, potentially via America Hill, but it's a more challenging route and may involve rough terrain.
Parking is available along the side of the road near the trailhead, especially if you start from Centerline Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cinnamon Bay Trail is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and is generally free to access.
As an outdoor trail within a national park, it's accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to complete your hike before sunset.
While the beach is part of the national park, there isn't typically a separate entrance fee for beach access itself, though park entrance fees may apply to the broader area.
While not always advertised, local tour operators may offer guided hikes. It's worth checking with local St. John tour companies.
Standard national park rules apply, including respecting the environment and not disturbing wildlife. Be aware of trail conditions, especially after storms.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderate, with some steep rock stairs and overgrown sections. It's suitable for most hikers, but good footwear is recommended.
The trail is approximately 1.1 miles long, leading to Cinnamon Bay Beach.
You might encounter various tropical birds and insects. Some visitors have also reported seeing turtles while snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Yes, the trail is quite shaded, offering some relief from the sun, but it can still be very hot and humid.
Restrooms and facilities are generally available at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground, which is at one end of the trail.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic vistas overlooking Cinnamon Bay, the historic America Hill ruins, and the lush tropical foliage along the path.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds, creating a more picturesque setting.
Drone usage in national parks is often restricted. Check the official Virgin Islands National Park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the tropical flora.
The America Hill Great House ruins provide a dramatic backdrop for photos, and there are several points along the trail offering stunning overlooks of Cinnamon Bay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit