While on St. John, go see the petroglyphs on the
Reef Bay Hike!
If you're looking for a unique and fascinating experience on your visit to the US Virgin Islands, the Reef Bay Trail on St. John should definitely be on your itinerary. This stunning hiking trail winds through lush tropical forests and leads to the stunning Reef Bay beach, passing by ancient petroglyph carvings along the way.
Im 52 years old, and not a good hiker, but I wanted to do this no matter what! It was worth it and YOU can do it, too. It's all downhill (not steep at all), you stop for lunch at the very cool, ancient petroglyphs, then continue down to the beach. It felt great to jump in the water and cool off while we waited for the boat to pick us up. A lot of people parked at the top of the trail and went up and down by themselves, but we chose the guided hike. My husband loved to hear all about the history and cool info our guide gave each time we would stop.
Fascinating Fact: Many people believe the petroglyph symbols represent the connection to the Taino's ancestors in the after life. They reflect into the naturally fed spring pool which always stays at the same level!
BOOK your guided hike here:
The Reef Bay Trail is a 3-mile descent from the island's interior to its picturesque southern shore. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it's relatively steep in some areas and can be slippery, but the views and the history along the way are well worth the effort. The hike takes around two to three hours to complete and is best done in the morning before the heat of the day sets in.
About half way down the trail, you'll come across a series of petroglyphs carved into the rocks by the Taino people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean. The petroglyphs depict various images, including animals, faces, and geometric shapes. The Taino people created these carvings between 500-1500 AD, and they are believed to be one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian rock art in the Caribbean.
The exact meaning behind the petroglyphs is unknown, but most experts believe that they were used for ceremonial and religious purposes. Some of the carvings have been interpreted as symbols of fertility, while others are thought to represent the Taino's belief in the afterlife.
In addition to the petroglyphs, the Reef Bay Trail is also rich in history. At the bottom of the trail, you'll find the ruins of the Reef Bay Sugar Factory, which was once a major producer of sugar and rum in the Caribbean. The factory was built in the early 19th century and was in operation until the 1930s when it was abandoned. Today, the ruins are a haunting reminder of the island's past and offer a glimpse into what life was like on St. John during the heyday of the sugar industry.
If you're planning on hiking the Reef Bay Trail, it's recommended to go with a guide from the Virgin Islands National Park. The guides are knowledgeable about the trail's history and will point out the various plants and wildlife along the way. They will also ensure that you stay safe on the trail, which can be challenging in some areas.
At the end of the hike, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Reef Bay beach, a secluded and beautiful spot that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. From the beach, a boat will pick you up and take you back to the starting point of the hike, making for a perfect end to an unforgettable experience.
Overall, the Reef Bay Trail on St. John is a must-see for anyone interested in history, nature, and adventure. The stunning scenery, fascinating petroglyphs, and rich history make for an experience that you won't soon forget. So be sure to add this trail to your itinerary and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the US Virgin Islands.