Trail Run Project Logo

One of the more difficult trails in the park with an intriguing reward at the end!


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

82%

Runnable

785' 239 m

High

68' 21 m

Low

769' 234 m

Up

761' 232 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

The trail is extremely steep, and rocky. If you attempt this trail be sure to bring bug spray, lots of water, and wear sturdy shoes.

Overview

While Reef Bay Trail is one of the more difficult trails in the park, runners will enjoy the backcountry feel along this more remote route. Additionally, there are many historical and cultural ruins along the way that speak to the varied and unique history of the island.

Need to Know

To sign up for a Park Ranger guided experience of the Reef Bay Hike visit our Friends of Virgin Islands National Park website or the gift store, located in Mongoose Junction.

Runner Notes

Some steep, rocky sections at the start and end, but a more mellow trail in the middle to even it out.

Description

The run starts from Centerline Road on the Reef Bay Trail. From the trailhead, the trail covers an old donkey path that was used to transport goods for the sugar cane industry. You'll see several old plantation ruins along the way including Par Force and the Reef Bay Sugar Plantation, which was actually converted to steam use in its later years. The equipment is still there today.

The initial mile of the trails descends, very steeply at first and becoming more gradual as you go. The trail here is rocky in addition to being steep, so take your time and watch your footing. Also, remember you are eventually going to have to climb back up this way so be sure to save your energy for the second half of your run!

About two-thirds of the way down the trail, you'll come to the junction with the Petroglyph Trail. This spur trail will take you to the natural reflecting pool where the Taino indians had carved totems referred to as "zemis" into the rock bed. After heavy rains, this area also has a natural waterfall. Between the dense forest and more remote feel of the trail, you feel like you have been transported back in time. Once you are done exploring the area, head back the way you came to return to the trailhead.

The National Park Service also offers a guided tour several times a week. This tour offers interpretive knowledge of local plants and animals as well as cultural and historical information about several plantation ruins that you'll find along the way. The tour includes a shuttle service from the NPS center and a return boat trip from Reef Bay to Cruz Bay. All proceeds go directly to support the National Park. More information on these tours can be found at FriendsVINP.org/hike.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#2634

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2,634

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,532 Since Jul 29, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
50%
50%
0%

Photos

Par Force Village, Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, US Virgin Islands (USVI). with permission from virt_
Jul 28, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
The Petroglyphs.
Mar 2, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Jossie Gut Sugar Estate, Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, US Virgin Islands (USVI). with permission from virt_
Jul 28, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, US Virgin Islands (USVI). with permission from virt_
Jul 28, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Reef Bay overlook.
Dec 22, 2015 near Cruz Bay, VI
David biting out the Kapok tree.
Dec 22, 2015 near Cruz Bay, VI

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.