America Hill Great House Ruins
Explore historic ruins atop a hill with breathtaking panoramic views, especially magical at sunrise and during vibrant floral blooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Spectacular views, fewer crowds
America Hill Great House Ruins
Best Time
Spectacular views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic ruins atop a hill with breathtaking panoramic views, especially magical at sunrise and during vibrant floral blooms.
"Amazing views and a truly otherworldly landscape, especially around Christmas with millions of flowers."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The initial part of the trail is steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike to the ruins.
🐝 Be Aware of Bees & Wasps
Especially during flowering seasons, watch out for hidden wasps on trees and buzzing bees around the blooms.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Panorama
Summit of America Hill
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the island, with panoramic views of the beaches below. A truly magical start to the day.
Blooming Floral Display
Surrounding the ruins
Experience an otherworldly landscape of vibrant pink flowers and lush green vines, especially around the holiday season.
Historic Great House Ruins
Summit of America Hill
Explore the remnants of a historic great house, offering a glimpse into the island's past amidst stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike Smart for Sunrise Views
Best Time for Blooming Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
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St John, Planning Help.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The initial part of the trail is steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike to the ruins.
🐝 Be Aware of Bees & Wasps
Especially during flowering seasons, watch out for hidden wasps on trees and buzzing bees around the blooms.
Recommended hikes/sites on Virgin Island National Park
7 night stay
💧 Bring Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially the initial ascent. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
🌸 Visit During Bloom Season
For an otherworldly experience, aim for late December/early January to see the area covered in pink flowers.
St John Honeymoon - Any Tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The initial part of the trail is steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike to the ruins.
🐝 Be Aware of Bees & Wasps
Especially during flowering seasons, watch out for hidden wasps on trees and buzzing bees around the blooms.
💧 Bring Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially the initial ascent. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
🌸 Visit During Bloom Season
For an otherworldly experience, aim for late December/early January to see the area covered in pink flowers.
🦌 Spot Local Wildlife
Keep an eye out for deer that are often seen in the area, adding to the natural charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magnificent views and the unique, otherworldly beauty of the blooming flowers, especially around the holiday season. The hike is considered moderately challenging but rewarding, with most of the trail offering welcome shade. It's noted as a low-traffic spot, offering a peaceful experience.
"25 minutes walk. Do it for sunrise. Amazing view and expect to see some deer."
Jean-Damien Barrier
"Another ruins with a magnificent views of the beaches below it. One of the best trails in the island. Perfectly maintained all year around. The beginning is very steep and will make you sweat. The rest is easy switchbacks in the shade. All year around watch out for hidden wasps on the trees or bees. If the ruins are covered with flowers you will find and certainly will hear the bees buzzing around."
Napo
"40 mins hike (one way) with mild elevation from cinnamon bay trail starting from centerline road. Good view at the end. Almost all shaded"
Qin Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are accessible via a hike from the Cinnamon Bay trail, starting from Centerline Road. It's about a mile uphill, taking approximately 25-40 minutes one way.
Parking is available along Centerline Road near the Cinnamon Bay trail access point.
No, the ruins are only accessible by foot via a hiking trail.
The trail is generally well-maintained and easy to follow, though it's always good to be aware of your surroundings.
If you have a vehicle on St. Thomas, you can drive to the trailhead on Centerline Road. Alternatively, consider a taxi or guided tour that includes this site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required for the America Hill Great House Ruins. Access is typically included with your park entry to Virgin Islands National Park.
While the hike itself is free, you may need to pay an entrance fee for the Virgin Islands National Park, depending on your access point and activities.
The ruins are generally accessible during daylight hours. For the best experience, plan your visit for sunrise.
The ruins are not typically closed, but the surrounding flora is most spectacular around Christmas and New Year.
Visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the difficulty of navigating the trail in the dark.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes about 25-40 minutes one way, depending on your pace and fitness level.
The hike is considered moderately difficult, with a steep initial climb followed by easier switchbacks. Most visitors in decent shape find it manageable.
You'll see the remnants of a historic great house and enjoy magnificent views of the beaches below. You might also spot deer.
Yes, the majority of the trail is shaded, offering relief from the sun, especially during the switchback section.
There are no facilities like restrooms or water fountains at the ruins themselves. Be sure to bring everything you need.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers dramatic lighting and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. The blooming season also provides stunning floral backdrops.
You can capture panoramic island views, architectural details of the ruins, and the vibrant surrounding flora and fauna.
Drone usage is subject to National Park Service regulations. Check the official NPS website for current rules and restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, and a macro lens can be useful for the flowers. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light sunrise shots.
Yes, with patience, you can photograph deer and various insects like butterflies and bees, especially during the flowering season.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat. The unique floral displays around the holidays can also be a magical experience for children, turning the hike into a journey through a blooming wonderland. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Experienced hikers will appreciate the blend of challenge and natural beauty. The opportunity to witness a sunrise from this vantage point is a significant draw. Remember to check trail conditions and be prepared for potential insect activity, especially if visiting during the blooming season.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to America Hill
Timing is key for this hike. Many visitors recommend tackling it for sunrise. This not only rewards you with spectacular, unobstructed views of the island waking up but also means you'll encounter fewer people on the trail, allowing for a more serene and personal experience. The shade provided by the trees is a welcome relief, especially during warmer parts of the day, but the cooler morning air is ideal for the ascent.
Be mindful of the local ecosystem. During certain times of the year, particularly around Christmas and New Year, the area around the ruins becomes a riot of color with blooming pink flowers and lush green vines. While beautiful, this also means an increase in insect activity, including bees and wasps. Hikers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid disturbing any nests.
A Glimpse into History and Nature
The surrounding environment is equally captivating. The ruins are perched at a vantage point that offers magnificent views of the beaches and coastline below. This makes the hike not just a historical exploration but also a scenic adventure. Visitors often describe the views as 'awesome' and 'magnificent,' highlighting the visual reward for the effort of the hike.
Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to appreciate. The area is known for its wildlife, with deer frequently spotted roaming the grounds. The seasonal floral blooms, especially the vibrant pinks and greens around the holidays, transform the landscape into something truly 'otherworldly,' attracting butterflies and bees. This natural beauty, combined with the historical remnants, creates a memorable and multifaceted destination.
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