Reef Bay Trail St John
Hike through lush forests to ancient ruins and a secluded beach, with a challenging uphill return.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat on the climb
Reef Bay Trail St John
Best Time
Beat the heat on the climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through lush forests to ancient ruins and a secluded beach, with a challenging uphill return.
"A challenging but rewarding hike with historical ruins and a beautiful beach."
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring plenty of water, especially for the uphill return. The heat and humidity can be intense.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can have rough surf, making water shoes essential for swimming.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins
Mid-trail
Explore remarkably intact sugar mill ruins with informative placards detailing its history.
Petroglyph Trail
Side trail
A short, easy detour to ancient Taino petroglyphs carved into the rocks.
Reef Bay Beach
End of trail
A secluded beach perfect for a picnic and cooling off, though swimming can be rough.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Ascent
Parking and Trail Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Accessing Reef Bay Trail from Cinnamon Bay?
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring plenty of water, especially for the uphill return. The heat and humidity can be intense.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can have rough surf, making water shoes essential for swimming.
National Park Hiking
Seeking Tips and Recs for 8 days in St. John’s
🚗 Park Smart
Roadside parking near mile marker 5 fills up fast. Arrive early and park carefully.
🦀 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs and mongooses along the trail.
Critique My STJ Trip: 7 days in late fall
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring plenty of water, especially for the uphill return. The heat and humidity can be intense.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can have rough surf, making water shoes essential for swimming.
🚗 Park Smart
Roadside parking near mile marker 5 fills up fast. Arrive early and park carefully.
🦀 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs and mongooses along the trail.
🗺️ Explore Side Trails
Don't miss the easy detour to the ancient petroglyphs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Reef Bay Trail is a highly recommended hike for its historical ruins, petroglyphs, and secluded beach. While the downhill portion is enjoyable, the uphill return is a significant challenge, especially in the heat. Visitors advise starting early and carrying ample water. Some find the beach less ideal for swimming due to rough surf.
"This was a great trail! Parking is just on the side of the road where ever you can find it. The trail down was easy and enjoyable with lots to see on the way. Take the side trail to the petroglyphs, it’s flat, easy walking and worth seeing. The sugar mill ruins are worth seeing too! The ruins are very intact and the placards were informational and interesting. My husband and I took a picnic lunch to eat on the beach to rest before hiking back up. I took a dip in the ocean to cool off. Reef Bay Beach isn’t the best beach to swim - the surf was a rough the day we went and you NEED water shoes to swim. Good beach combing here, though. The hike up: oooo boy. Like many other reviews said, the last 1/3 of the hike back up is a killer. We got a later start to the day then we wanted so we were hiking back up at 1pm, in the heat of the day. My husband and I are active (hike on weekends, weightlift 3-4 days a week) and most of the hike back up was easy. The last bit is at a decently steep incline with several sets of stone stairs and I struggled, though I think it was the heat and humidity that was affecting me the most. The actual trail really wasn’t that bad( I do a trail at home regularly that is steeper and I manage) but hiking it in the heat of the day is not recommended!! Don’t be like me! My husband made out just fine. Make sure you have enough water for the hike back up, you will need it!! That said, my husband and I made the 2.2mile hike back up in about 1hr 15minutes, even with my multiple water/breathing breaks."
Lauren Hunt
"This is an awesome hike with plenty to see. I will say that it's equally challenging and beautiful. If you're hesitant about the difficulty, I'd pick another trail, but if you're up for a challenge, you can't beat the views. The first half of the hike is all down hill and the return trip is all up hill. The trail is shaded, which a big plus. Bring plenty of water!"
Tyler Wardrop
"Pretty aggressive trail on the way back, switchbacks with steep inclines make sure you bring lots of water! The trail is covered mostly during the day and leads down to a secluded beach as well as the petroglyph trail and an abandoned sugar factory"
Corey Barnard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Reef Bay Trail trailhead is located near mile marker 5 on Centerline Road in St. John. Parking is available on the side of the road, but spots are limited and fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
While the public bus system on St. John reaches many areas, it may not directly service the Reef Bay Trail trailhead. Renting a jeep is often recommended for easier access to various trailheads and attractions across the island.
Reef Bay Beach, at the end of the trail, can be accessed by boat. However, the trail itself is primarily for hiking from the road.
Many visitors find renting a jeep to be the most convenient way to explore St. John and access trailheads like Reef Bay. This offers flexibility for reaching different parts of the island.
Mile marker 5 is located on Centerline Road, a main thoroughfare on St. John. The trailhead for Reef Bay is situated near this marker.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike the Reef Bay Trail. It is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and is open to the public.
The Reef Bay Trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to plan your hike to allow ample time to complete it before sunset, especially considering the challenging uphill return.
There is no designated parking lot with a fee for the Reef Bay Trail. Parking is free along the roadside near mile marker 5, but spaces are limited.
The sugar mill ruins are located along the main trail, and the petroglyphs are accessible via a short side trail. You can visit these sites by hiking down the trail, but be prepared for the uphill return.
While not always advertised, some local tour operators may offer guided hikes. It's advisable to check with local tour companies on St. John for availability and pricing.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Reef Bay Trail is considered moderate. The hike down is relatively easy, but the return hike uphill, especially the last third, is strenuous due to steep inclines and stone stairs.
The round trip hike is approximately 4.4 miles. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace, how much time you spend at the ruins and beach, and your fitness level for the uphill return.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat and humidity. Consider bringing a hat and sunscreen.
Hikers often spot hermit crabs and mongooses along the Reef Bay Trail. Birdwatching is also popular in the forested areas.
Much of the Reef Bay Trail is shaded by the forest canopy, which provides some relief from the sun. However, the exposed sections and the heat can still be significant, especially during midday.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food vendors along the Reef Bay Trail or at Reef Bay Beach. It's essential to pack all your own food and drinks for the hike.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. A picnic lunch is a great idea to enjoy at Reef Bay Beach. Ensure you have plenty of water.
After your hike, you can find dining options in Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John, which offers a variety of restaurants and bars.
It is not recommended to drink water from Reef Bay. Always bring sufficient potable water from home or purchase it before your hike.
Yes, Reef Bay Beach is an ideal spot for a picnic. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the lush forest scenery, the historic sugar mill ruins, the ancient petroglyphs, and the secluded Reef Bay Beach. The views on the descent can also be picturesque.
The trail itself is manageable for photography, but the challenging uphill return might make it harder to focus on capturing shots. The petroglyph trail is flat and easy for photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots of the forest and beach. A waterproof bag is advisable if you plan to swim or get close to the water.
While there aren't designated viewpoints, the trail offers scenic glimpses of the surrounding nature. The sugar mill ruins and the beach itself provide excellent subjects for photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and potentially fewer crowds. However, be mindful of the time needed to complete the hike, especially the return trip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations for families: Start very early to avoid the heat. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider bringing a child carrier for younger ones if they are unable to manage the uphill climb. The beach at the end offers a good place for a break and a picnic. Be realistic about your children's stamina and consider turning back if the uphill section seems too daunting. Alternatively, explore shorter, less strenuous trails on St. John if a challenging hike is not suitable for your family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Utilize the public bus system as much as possible for island transport, though a jeep rental might be necessary for direct access to this specific trailhead. Pack all your own food and drinks to avoid expensive purchases. The hike itself offers incredible scenery and historical sites without any admission fees, making it a fantastic value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent: What to Expect
Key to conquering the climb: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the peak heat and humidity. This will make the uphill return significantly more bearable. Ensure you have an ample supply of water – more than you think you'll need – and take frequent breaks. Pace yourself and don't be discouraged if you need to stop and catch your breath. Active individuals who hike on weekends and lift weights still found the last bit challenging due to the heat.
Remember, the effort is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and the stunning natural beauty of St. John. Proper preparation and a realistic understanding of the trail's difficulty are essential for an enjoyable experience.
Exploring the Historical and Natural Wonders
A short, easy detour leads to the Petroglyph Trail, where you can discover ancient Taino petroglyphs carved into the rocks. These carvings are a significant cultural artifact and a testament to the island's original inhabitants. The trail itself winds through lush forests, offering opportunities for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife like hermit crabs and mongooses.
Finally, the trail culminates at Reef Bay Beach, a secluded and picturesque spot. While it's a great place for a picnic and to relax, be aware that the surf can be rough, and water shoes are recommended for swimming. The beach is also good for beachcombing, offering a peaceful end to your exploration before the challenging hike back.
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