Hiking

Many visitors come to Virgin Islands National Park for the turquoise waters and white sand beaches, but hiking remains one of the most popular activities in the park. Perhaps that's because the 20 trails in the park offer hiking experiences to a range of skill levels and interests, leading visitors past the ruins of sugar mills, to the highest peak on the island, by salt ponds, through the various ecosystems in the park -- and of course, to beaches. Reef Bay Trail is one of the most difficult hikes (and the only backcountry trail in the park), but is among the most popular. Steep and rocky, this 2.2-mile, one-way trail demands you wear hiking boots or trail shoes (no flip flops) as you hike past the ruins of four sugar plantations to a secluded cove on the south side of the island. The Petroglyph Trail branches off Reef Bay Trail, so be prepared for a short but cool detour. Another popular hike is the Rams Head Trail, a one-mile (one way) path leading along a rocky beach to a promontory where the sunsets are spectacular. From the Ram Head Trailhead there are two other short but worthwhile trails to pick up: the Salt Pond Bay and Drunk Bay trails. The highest point in the park, the 1,277-foot Bordeaux Mountain, is accessible via a jeep road (Highway 108) or a 1.2-mile (one way) hike from Lameshur Bay on the south side of the island (off Highway 107). Near Cruz Bay and the park visitor center there are several trails you can use to explore Lind Point, including the Salomon and Honeymoon beach trails; this network is ideal for visitors who have a day or less to spend in the park. Along the north shore you'll find no fewer than 12 trailheads, including the short hike to Peace Hill, the Caneel Hill Trail, the Cinnamon Bay Trail, and the Cinnamon Bay Self-Guided Trail (which provides boardwalk access to historic ruins). The accessible Francis Bay Trail -- a boardwalk offering access to a salt pond that's a birding hotspot -- is also on the north side of the island. Friends of Virgin Islands National Park offers ranger-guided hikes of the Reef Bay Trail. To register, visit the park visitor center or go [online](http://www.friendsvinp.org/news-a-events/book-a-guided-hike); the $40 registration fee includes transportation to the trailhead (by taxi) and back (by boat). Check the [calendar](http://www.friendsvinp.org/news-a-events/upcoming-events) for availability.