Hiking and History in St. John Virgin Islands National Park
Forest trails, Taino carvings and the stone ruins of the sugar era.
See top-rated activities »About St. John Virgin Islands National Park
St. John Virgin Islands National Park was created in 1956, largely on land donated by Laurance Rockefeller, and today covers about three-fifths of the island along with thousands of acres of surrounding sea. Beyond the beaches, it protects dry tropical forest, mangrove bays and the remains of the plantations that covered the island under Danish rule.
Those plantations were worked by enslaved Africans, and the most complete set of ruins is at Annaberg, on the North Shore above Leinster Bay. Its windmill tower, horse mill and boiling house stand on a hill with views toward the British Virgin Islands, and docents are on hand some weekdays to explain how the estate worked. From Annaberg, a short level trail follows the shore of Leinster Bay to the snorkeling around Waterlemon Cay.
The Reef Bay Trail is the park’s classic hike, dropping from Centerline Road through shady forest to a sugar mill ruin near the south coast. A short side trail leads to a pool below a seasonal waterfall where Taino people carved petroglyphs into the rock centuries ago. It is all downhill on the way in, which means a steep climb back out, so carry plenty of water and start early.
The Cinnamon Bay campground, rebuilt after the 2017 hurricanes, rents bare sites, eco-tents and cottages from November through August. Check the park’s alerts before any hike; trails can be closed for repairs, and the Caneel Bay area is still being planned for redevelopment.
Don’t Miss
Windmill, factory and slave-quarter ruins from the Danish colonial era, with sweeping views over Leinster Bay.
A strenuous downhill hike to sugar ruins and Taino rock carvings beside a seasonal pool.
A shoreline walk from Annaberg to a small cay surrounded by reef; best for confident swimmers.
The park’s campground, reopened in 2022, with bare sites, eco-tents and cottages; closed in September and October.
The former resort has had no overnight guests since 2017; the beach reopened to the public in 2024 while the park plans its future.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the National Park
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of St. John may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »the National Park — FAQ
How hard is the Reef Bay Trail?
Going down is easy; coming back up is steep and hot. Allow several hours, carry plenty of water and start early in the day.
Can I camp in Virgin Islands National Park?
Yes, at the Cinnamon Bay campground, which has bare sites, eco-tents and cottages. It is open November through August and books up early for winter.
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