We're sharing our top five Virgin Islands hiking trails, from difficult to easy enough for the entire family!
If you like to hike, you’ve come to the right place! Virgin Islands hiking offers a little of everything - stunning views, wildlife, historic ruins and petroglyphs, and of course, amazing beaches along the way. We’re sharing five of our favorite hikes on St. Thomas and St. John. Most of these are fairly easy and can be done in an afternoon - just remember to bring plenty of fresh water, bug spray and of course, sunscreen.
If you have questions, need help arranging transportation or want more hiking ideas, just ask! Our complimentary concierge service is here to help Island Luxury guests plan their own hike or book a guided hiking tour.
Magens Bay Nature Trail, St. Thomas
Length: 1.8 miles round-trip
Rating: Moderate
This lush trail will take you from world-famous Magens Bay beach to a lookout in the surrounding hills. You can start your hike at the beach, or you can park at the Magens Bay trailhead and hike to the beach, enjoy a dip and then make your way back up the trail. Stay away from the manchineel tree, which is extremely toxic to touch or ingest. This hike is easy to access from our Northside villas: Estate Sherpenjewel, Yellowbird Villa and Lovenlund Villa.
Mermaid’s Chair Trail, St. Thomas
Length: 3.6 miles out and back
Rating: Moderate
This paved trail through a subdivision on St. Thomas’s West End will lead you to Mermaid’s Chair, a scenic strip of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. We recommend going on a weekday, when you might have the beach all to yourself! Keep an eye out for deer and hermit crabs along the route.
Because this trail crosses through The Preserve at Botany Bay, you’ll need to check in at the security guard gatehouse before proceeding. Bring lots of water - you’ll be walking uphill in the sun on your return trip.
Ram Head Trail, St. John
Length: 2.3 miles
Rating: Moderate
This popular trail offers a sandy beach, a cobblestone beach, stunning mountain views and the chance to spot wildlife like wild donkeys - all in just a hour-long hike! You’ll want to start your hike by parking at the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot (go early, it fills up fast!) and following the shoreline trail once you get to Salt Pond Beach. We recommend packing your swimsuit so you can swim and snorkel at Salt Pond Bay Beach on your return trip. The cool water is going to feel amazing after a long hike in the sun!
Reef Bay Trail, St. John
Length: 4.4 miles out and back
Rating: Moderate
St. John is just a quick ferry ride from St. Thomas and is home to some of the best Virgin Island hiking! It’s an easy day-trip for anyone staying at one of our St. Thomas villas or condos. This hike is one of our favorites because you’ll get to see a waterfall, ruins of an old sugar mill and petroglyphs left behind by the Taino people. Bring your swimsuit - Reef Bay at the end of the trail is a great place to see sea turtles!
Francis Bay Trail
Length: .07 miles
Rating: Easy
If you’re looking for an easy hike that the entire family will enjoy, you can’t go wrong with the Francis Bay trail. Stroll along the boardwalk on this mostly-flat trail and admire the birds that gather on the salt marsh. You’ll pass by the ruins of the Mary Point Estate before reaching beautiful Francis Bay Beach.
Share Your Virgin Islands Hiking Adventures With Us!
We hope our Virgin Islands hiking guide has inspired you to get out and try some of these trails during your next visit. Don’t forget to tag us (@islandluxuryvi) in your hiking photos so we can follow along on your adventures. Happy hiking!