reef bay trail
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reef bay trail印象
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It's easy to get beach-centric on St. John, but this hike is well worth the diversion (plus, it ends at a beach!).
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We tried to get on the NPS tour since we were a little worried about transportation to and from the trail head. They were booked but the friendly woman at the Friends of VI national park gave us info so we could do it on our own.We took a taxi to the trailhead and did the hike roundtrip. There is a bus stop near the trailhead. The bus comes every hour or so but we only waited 15 min. We were also able to get cell service at the top of trailhead so we could have called a taxi if needed (we got their number when they dropped us off). Taxis also run all over St. John and since they are open back safari type vehicles you just flag them down. It was pretty easy.The taxi was something like $7 per person and the bus was $1. The bus driver didn't have change though so take some ones.The hike was nice. If you go, don't miss the petroglyphs.The hike was great. The first part is pretty steep down and pretty steep back up. Its really doable though. There were port a potties near the plantation ruins. They were pretty gross but after a 2.9 mile hike down and the prospect of another 2.9 miles back they come in handy.
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The NPS guided hike includes transport to the start of the hike, an interesting hike down roughly 900 feet of elevation over 2+ miles, visits to view petroglyphs, and a 40 minute return boat ride back to the NP Visitors Center. Our hike today was led by Alanna Smith, who did an excellent job sharing information about the various trees, plants, animals and ruins we saw along the trail. I don't think we would repeat the Reef Bay Trail hike, but we'd consider trying the somewhat more strenuous NPS guide hike of L'Esperance Trail which should be fairly similar to the Reef Bay hike.
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with a swim and a boat ride home at the end! Towards the beginning of the hike there are some places to be very slow and careful; there's one sort-of-tough but very short up and down section; and the path and the steps to the petroglyphs at the base of the waterfall require great care. Ranger Alana Smith was very cheerful, informative, and helpful, and clearly, along with Park Volunteer Joe (I'm sorry I didn't get your last name, Joe.) wanting to make the hike a safe and comfortable one. Bay rum leaves, locust "fruit," hermit and fiddler crabs, deer, historic ruins, and the petroglyphs all made the day memorable.While I would not call the hike strenuous - the Ranger was keeping a pace for the group which included a wide range of ages and abilities, definitely wear good hiking shoes (some say there's such a thing as sandals good for that - I don't know). Roots, rocks, maybe mud, and the sometimes narrow path require careful going for a fair part of the way and slipping is a bad idea. Bring a pack with plenty of water, lunch, and snacks. Have a hat, sunscreen (bugdope is good, too), and fun! I brought hiking poles which felt good for me to have and use, but I'm sure weren't necessary.Bring (or wear) a (comfy for walking) swimsuit - you can change at the end of the hike at the toilet, a pack towel, and maybe snorkel, mask, and fins - maybe water shoes - whatever you'd want to have for your swim that you want to carry comfortably. Use a pack. Don't carry a bag.You'll be taking a boat back, and its dinghy picks you up on the beach, so you'll be walking into the water to get on board that so's you know.My wife and I had looked forward to this since last year, our first time on St. John, but had not heard of it in time to book a tour. It was our first thing to do in the week we have here this time and was a great way to start off! Don't miss it! Book early - long before you get here...
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We were part of a large group (25-30) led by Golda, a very capable and warm-hearted ranger. Bus drops you off up top at the trailhead and we descended slowly, stopping at several locations to learn about particular trees. Golda's area of special expertise was that of health remedies made from the plant life. She also shared a good deal of information about the history of the island plantations, their dependence on slaves, the sugar-rum industry, and the remaining ruins. For this hike, you must wear good shoes -- either good tennis shoes or hiking shoes. In many areas, the trail is rocky and descends rather steeply. It took us about 2-2.5 hours to descend the trail. The plantation ruins are very interesting. Sweet beach at the bottom but we had not brought our snorkeling gear. Boat ride back is efficient, about 40 mins on the water. Glad we did this to get a look at the trail, but like other large group activities, the experience is designed to meet the needs of most people -- we found the pace a bit slow.
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We hiked the round trip down to the bay and back up to the main road. The hike is almost 100% shaded, so except for the humidity, it is quite bearable. We are pretty good hikers, and spent a total of 3 hours; This included a side trip to the petroglyphs, some time looking at the mill ruins at the bottom, a short side trip to a second beach, and a short lunch break on the way back up. The beach at the bottom is beautiful.On the same day, after this trip we hiked Ram Head Trail. If you only have time for one, make it Ram Head as the views there are spectacular. This one is basically a hike through woods to a beach, with some informative signs about trees along the way. Very nice, but not spectacular. Look for my review of Ram Head.
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Cannot say enough good things about this hike. Although the NPS offers a guided hike for a fee with boat pick up - we did the trial on our own. It is roughly 2.5 miles down to the bay but you can add additional mileage by detouring to the petroglyphs on the way or taking the turn off to go to Lamesur bay, etc. You will pass a few different ruin sites with a large ruin right on the bay at the end of the trail. Along the way there are some signs detailing the trees, plants, or ruins that you are viewing. Although the 2.5 mile hike back uphill to your parking spot seems intimidating - it really isn't that bad. Just go at your own pace and enjoy the sites along the way.
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We took the trail from the main road and hiked back. It is not an easy trail. I would call it strenuous, especially on the way back uphill. The educational signs along the way were nice. The waterfall near the petroglyphs wasn't flowing, but there was a freshwater pond. The trail seemed to be well maintained. Watch for hermit crabs on the trail.
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We took the ranger-led hike on this trail. Learned a lot of cool history and natural info (thanks Alanah and Joe!). We packed light hikers for the trip for this reason but in retrospect I think I would have switched them out for keens. One thing to be aware of, exit boat loading is by dinghy transfer.
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The hike was run by the National Park Service and included a taxi to the trailhead and boat back to Cruz Bay. There was a good mix of interesting trees that provided well needed shade plus some archeology sites including abandoned slave quarters, a sugar mill, and petroglyphs. The only negative was that very young children were allowed on the hike and they didn't have the stamina to keep up.