Most people don’t know it, but more than two-thirds of the island of St. John is actually designated as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. It earned this distinction because of its stellar natural beauty and rich history, which includes civilizations that date back more than 1000 years. The park features more than twenty trails, most of which aren’t especially long. But they do spread out across the island in a variety of different directions allowing visitors to explore much of it on foot.
Those routes wander through thick rainforests, past pristine beaches, and up and down rolling hills. Along the way, hikers will discover long-abandoned plantations and mills, hidden cabins, and small shacks that once served as slave quarters. A hike here is a bit like walking through history, with some sharp reminders of our past.
