9 Trails for the Best Hiking in St Thomas 2024
Are you looking for the best hiking in St Thomas USVI this year? You’re in the right place! I’ve been to St Thomas many times, and have found the most beautiful, secluded hikes around the island. This guide will take you to 9 trails with the best hiking in St Thomas.
You’ll find secluded beaches you can only get to on foot, overlooks with the best views in the Caribbean, and the best experiences in St Thomas for your adventurous soul.
For everyone from beginners to advanced, hiking in St Thomas can be a great escape when you want a little off-the-beaten-path adventure in St Thomas.
While most people take advantage of the beaches and shopping in St Thomas, I prefer exploring these secluded trails hidden around the island. That’s what makes these hikes so special – quieter, cleaner, and all yours to explore on your own or with your loved ones.
➡️ Book a kayak, snorkel, & hiking tour in St Thomas
9 Best Trails for Hiking in St Thomas
1. Take a trip to Cas Cay
For the best hiking in St Thomas Virgin Islands, head to Cas Cay and grab a tour from one of the nearby marinas. From there, you can kayak to Cas Cay, hike around, and snorkel. When you arrive at Cas Cay, you’ll find 15 acres of protected land to explore.
The hike from your arrival point will take you to tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, a geologic blowhole, and multiple breathtaking views from the clear beaches.
This full-day adventure will take you through the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine. The protected sanctuary gives you the opportunity to see multiple ecosystems around the waters in your kayak, in the water, and on your hike.
➡️ Book a kayak, snorkel, & hike tour at Virgin Island Ecotours
Best Hikes in St Thomas
2. Mermaids Chair Trail
Mermaid’s Chair is the western tip of St Thomas. In the middle, you’ll find the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea separate.
To get to this hike to visit Mermaids Chair St Thomas, you’ll need to start at Botany Bay. The residential community does not allow vehicles; you’ll have to sign in (you’ll need a government-issued ID) to the gated community to get to the grounds that will bring you to Mermaid Chair St Thomas.
Follow the paved trail signs to the beach and enjoy the quiet adventure!
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation: 816 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Need ID to sign into Botany Bay to begin this St Thomas great trail
Best Hiking in St Thomas USVI
3. Hull Bay Trail
The Hull Bay Trail is a hilly, 1.7 mile trial that takes you to Hull Bay Beach on the north side of the island. This scenic hike will give you plenty of opportunities for photo ops along the way.
If you’re an average hiker, it probably won’t take more than an hour round trip, but you’ll definitely want to hang around and enjoy the views on the way.
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation: 314 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Simple trail, good for a morning walk or run
Best Hikes in St Thomas
4. Santa Maria Beach Path
This is one of the St Thomas hikes that is only accessible with a short trip through some overgrown trails.
You’ll likely be alone when you get to the end of this hike, where you’ll find one of St Thomas’s beaches. Santa Maria Beach St Thomas has beautiful, glistening waters and many untouched coral reefs.
Santa Maria Beach is a great spot to grab your snorkeling gear and experience one-of-a-kind snorkeling in your own little paradise.
- Distance: 1.0 miles
- Elevation: 262 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Short path, good for a morning walk or run, populated
Best Hiking in St Thomas
5. John Brewers Cave Trail at Brewers Bay
Peak up the mountain top St Thomas and find the rock at the tip you’ll be hiking to! The hike will take about 2 hours. You’ll hit lots of wildlife on your way up, so be careful to not disturb any nests.
Park at Brewers Bay to get to this trailhead. Follow the blue and red spray paint to the top. When you make it to the top, you’ll get a pretty awesome view of the west end of the island with views of St Croix.
Brewers Bay is also an incredible snorkeling spot and a place locals regularly hang out.
- Distance: Estimated 2.0 or so
- Elevation: TBD
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Notes: overgrown, wear pants, good shoes, bring bug spray, be careful! Probably not the best spot if there’s an incoming storm
Best Hikes Trails in St Thomas
6. Hike the Magens Bay Trail
The Magens Bay Trail is perfect for a sunrise view to start your day. This is one of my favorite hikes in St Thomas. The trail is only 1.8 miles and will take you to Magens Bay Beach Trail to cool off. You’ll see the sailboats and yachts coming in and out of the bay all day.
By taking the trail, you can also avoid the parking fees to get to the beach. There is strict no dog policy on this beach.
- Distance: 1.8 mi
- Elevation: 436 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: You can park at Mahogany Run Road, or pay the parking fee at the beach and hike from there.
Best Hikes in St Thomas
7. Neltjeberg Beach Trail
The hike to Neltjeberg Beach is a beautiful and rewarding experience. The views of the coast from the trail are stunning, but it can be tricky to get there. You probably won’t be able to search your Google Maps St Thomas Virgin Islands to get here!
At the first fork in the road, take a left turn and follow the path down to Neltjeberg Beach. The trail is a little rocky so make sure you wear good shoes for safety.
Depending on how adventurous you are feeling, you can also access Neltjeberg Beach by rock scrambling from Dorthea Beach. This is an off-the-beaten-path type of hike so keep that in mind if you decide to go this route!
Once at Neltjeberg Beach, you’ll be treated with white sand and crystal clear waters – making it an ideal spot for swimming or snorkeling.
- Distance: 40 min, approx 1.5-2 mi roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Wear good shoes, especially if you want to take the rock scramble way, which is more of a moderate to difficult option
8. Charlotte Amalie Harbor Walk
Discover the heart of Charlotte Amalie with a scenic 2.5 mile paved trail welcoming runners and walkers alike. Take in stunning views of the harbor and explore the local restaurants, shops, and vendors that line the route.
Ideal for a leisurely afternoon or a slow morning, this flat and easy hike serves as the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy everything this bustling city has to offer.
Many people ask, is St Thomas walkable? It’s really not, but Charlotte Amalie is!
- Distance: 2.5 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: 121 ft
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Paved road near Charlotte Amalie. A more populated path for walking in St Thomas
Best Hiking in US Virgin Islands
You can certainly get your hiking itch fulfilled in St Thomas with all the previous options, but there are many islands nearby with awesome hiking too, including a National Park in the British Virgin Islands.
Between St Thomas, St John, and St Croix, you’ll probably find the best hikes in St John! Check out these few popular hiking trails St John USVI that will lead to to the best views and beaches on the island.
St John is home to US Virgin Islands National Park, protected forest, beaches, and wildlife!
There are plenty of tours and a ferry available to take you from St Thomas to St John for the day.
Hiking in St John
9. Cinnamon Bay Hike in St John
Cinnamon Bay Hike is one of the most popular on the island. Take a steep hike through the relics of old sugar mills found in the picturesque St. John. Head to the lookout to witness stunning views and gain insights into the island’s history. If you want more hiking in St. John, follow it up with the Reef Bay trail located nearby!
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 889 ft
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Entrance at Cinnamon Bay Campground
10. Caneel Hill Trail
For one of the longest hikes in the USVI, head to St John for the Caneel Hill Trail. You’ll travel through a slight forest area before reaching the more than worth it lookout point.
The trail is labeled as moderate but could be difficult due to the sun and hills for a beginner hiker.
This trail gets lots of love from visitors everywhere due to its incredible panoramic views of the Virgin Islands. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
- Distance: 4.0 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 889 ft
- Type: Out and Back
- Notes: Parking lot at the trailhead, wear proper shoes.
11. Sage Mountain National Park in BVI Mount Sage
One of the tallest mountains in the US and the British Virgin Islands is located on Tortola. Sage Mountain National Park has tons of trails and awesome views. This is one of my favorite parts of the Virgin Islands – the mountainous terrain! For a really mountainous island, try out St Lucia.
Unlike flatter islands like Aruba and St Maarten, you can hike to some spectacular lookout points in the Virgin Islands.
While this isn’t the hiking in St. Thomas, it is just a short ferry ride away if you’re looking for a more difficult hike! You’ll need your passport to head to BVI, though.
Distance: 2.5
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 423 ft
Type: Out and Back
Notes: There a few hikes in the National Park, make a whole day of hiking around!
Hiking in St Croix
12. Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail
Enjoy this moderate hike that will bring you through beaches to cool down along the way! This is a favorite if you’re looking to go hiking in St Croix.
Pack your snorkeling and beach gear, because Isaac Bay is great for snorkeling and relaxing. You’re bound to be almost alone when checking out the beautiful beaches located in the preserve.
The whole area is preserved, so the only way to get to it is via hiking. Because of the preservation, this stretch of land of nearly untouched. St Croix offers a variety of things to do other than hiking though!
- Distance: 3.6 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 465 ft
- Type: Out and Back
Best Time to Go Hiking in St Thomas
The weather can be warm and sunny all year round in St Thomas. However, during hurricane season, it’s important to keep track of the weather so you don’t end up off the path during a storm.
Earling mornings are best for hiking St Thomas Virgin Islands and can reduce the risk of overheating, and gives you the rest of the day to explore other spots on the island!
For the lowest risk of rain and hurricanes, December to June will give you the best weather in USVI.. but you still might run into some midday storms, so stay prepared either way.
Which Virgin Island has the best hiking?
St John is known to have the best hiking in the Virgin Islands. This is because it’s home to the Virgin Islands National Park. 2/3 of St John are protected under the national park.
Many trails and beaches on the island are practically untouched! There are also a wider variety of trails to choose from in St John vs St Thomas.
What Do You Need For Hiking in St Thomas?
Now that you know about the best hikes in St Thomas, let’s make sure you’re prepared! The weather in St Thomas can change day-to-day and even hour-to-hour! During hurricane season, which generally runs from June to December, but is most prevalent from July to October.
When it’s not raining, however, temperatures can reach in the 90s and the humidity can really take it out of you!
The protected lands around the US Virgin Islands are maintained and loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s incredibly important to leave only your footprints anywhere you are in the Virgin Islands.
A few things you will need to go hiking in St Thomas:
🤿Snorkel Gear!
Almost all of the hikes in USVI will lead you to a secluded beach. Pack your snorkeling gear and hop in the water. The protected coral reefs in St Thomas will leave you in awe with the healthy and lively marine life beneath the surface.
A friend turned me on to Cressi’s snorkeling gear a while ago. It has been my go-to ever since. I throw them in my suitcase no matter where I’m hiking in the Caribbean!
☀️Reef Safe Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in most Caribbean islands. Be aware that just because it says “reef-safe” doesn’t mean it is! Check the reef-safe.org guide to be sure you’re buying sunscreen that will protect the beautiful Caribbean coral reefs.
📷 GoPro!
Phones have great built-in cameras these days, a GoPro can be really helpful for recording memories without having to worry about your phone all day! I recently invested in a GoPro 10 and it has been a game-changer for making memories.
Plus, you likely don’t want to worry about your phone in the water. It’s easy to strap on your GoPro and capture memories without worrying about a thing.
🌊Floating Waterproof Phone Case
If you don’t want to commit to a GoPro, a waterproof and floating phone case will do the trick! I love being able to capture memories on land and in the water! I didn’t want to bring a good camera on my Stingray City tour in Grand Cayman, so I used this, and it worked great.
☁️Sand Cloud Quick Dry Towel
I don’t go to any beach without my Turkish quick dry towel. You’ve likely heard about them from Shark Tank a long time ago. I HATE sand. So, a towel that dries quickly and shakes the sand out easily is the towel for me.
WATER 💧
That strong sun can get dehydrating! I’d recommend bringing a bladder to make sure you don’t run out. It’s important to have enough water to make it up and back.
Non Perishable Food 🍎
It’s important to have a mix of healthy snacks to get you through your hike, but also bring some nonperishables in case of emergencies.
Waterproof Gear 🌧️
The rain can be unpredictable! Protect your belongings with a waterproof bag and protect yourself with a raincoat. This will also come in handy at the beach!
Do you need hiking boots for St John USVI?
Overall, no, you don’t need hiking shoes in St John USVI. But it does depend. Usually, proper hiking sandals like Chacos or Tevas are great for hiking in USVI. I prefer the Teva Hurricane Sports Sandal. I can even double them for water shoes on some of the rocky beaches in St Thomas.
Do I Need a Rental Car for Hiking in St Thomas?
RENTAL CARS! 🚗
Do you need a car to get around St Thomas? No. It is possible to get around the island with the taxis available. However, some of these hikes require some off-path searching. Some taxis, safari taxis in particular, may not take you to the off-road areas these hikes require.
You’ll also have a harder time finding a taxi when you complete your trip when hiking in St Thomas, since most hikes are not in populated areas. If you want to get to these secluded island areas, I’d suggest reserving a rental car as soon as possible.
⭐ Give yourself the freedom and flexibility to get to these secluded hikes by booking a rental car here ➡️
Other Things to do in St Thomas
On hot days, or when you’re done with hiking, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in St Thomas! Whether you want to book a tour or plan on a budget with free things to do, there is something for everyone on the island.
- Climb the historic 99 Steps to Blackbeard’s Castle – this is one of the most historic and popular things to do while wandering around downtown Charlotte Amalie.
- Kayak Cas Cay where you can snorkel and hike through protected lagoons
- Snorkel or Scuba dive through the beautiful beaches and coral reefs in US Virgin Islands
- Take a day trip to St John via the ferry
Where to Stay in St Thomas
There are St Thomas hiking trails all over the island. You’ll have to do some driving, either by taxi or with a rental car regardless of where you’re staying.
If you’re not set on staying near a specific beach, Charlotte Amalie is the city and it’s centrally located – staying in the middle of everything is never a bad option!
The Green Iguana Hotel, Charlotte Amalie
The Green Iguana Hotel has only 9 hotel rooms with beautiful water and island views from your terrace. They recently opened a new pool deck, and are just one mile from the popular Magen’s Bay Beach.
You’re right in downtown Charlotte Amalie, so just outside your door you’ll find the attractions around downtown St Thomas, restaurants, and shopping!
⭐Book The Green Iguana Hotel for island views downtown ➡️
Aqua St Thomas
These deluxe apartments are just a 7-minute drive from downtown Charlotte Amalie. You’ll be a short walk from Morning Star Beach.
The views from Aqua St Thomas are unbeatable while still enjoying a quiet, secluded area.
⭐Stay in the secluded Aqua St Thomas ➡️
Luxury Living: Villa Marbella USVI
Vacation in luxury with a 10 minute walk to Morning Star Beach, or enjoy your hilltop pool in the Villa Marbella.
This top-rated villa has a kitchen, an ocean view, and 6 bedrooms for your crew!
⭐Book your luxurious stay at Villa Marbella ➡️
🏖️Plan your stay at one of the beach resorts in St Thomas
Is St Thomas safe?
St Thomas USVI is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Although, like any other popular tourist destination, petty crime does exist and there have been reports of pickpockets in crowded downtown areas.
To stay safe on your travels, practice the same safety precautions you take at home, including keeping a close eye on your personal belongings and not carrying too much cash.
Hiking in St Thomas FAQ
Is there hiking in St Thomas?
There are plenty of hiking trails in St Thomas! Though some of the terrains throughout the island can be difficult, most trails are very user-friendly!
Where can I hike in the Virgin Islands?
Along with these hikes in St Thomas, there are also hiking trails in St John and St Croix. In St John, there are many trails throughout the Virgin Islands National Park. The Reef Bay Trail and Cinnamon Bay Trail are most popular and offer stunning views. The Carambola Tide Pools in St Croix are the most popular trail to visit on the largest USVI territory.
How long is the hike to Mermaids Chair in St Thomas?
The hike to Mermaid’s Chair St Thomas is about 3.6 miles. It’s good for beginners and advanced hikers.
Are there waterfalls in St Thomas?
No; aside from small falls you might find along the way, there are no waterfalls in St Thomas. Important note: there are waterfalls in St Thomas, Jamacia, but not St Thomas, US Virgin Islands! So, you’ll have to head there for some St Thomas waterfall hikes.
Hiking in St Thomas Conclusion
That’s all for the best hiking in St Thomas. Taking advantage of these gems is the only way to get some of the most spectacular views on the island and experience the most hidden gems around the island.
If you’re an experienced hiker, used to tall mountains, rocky terrain, and high elevation, hiking trails St Thomas might be underwhelming, but you can still appreciate the breathtaking views and hidden gems around the island.
If you are looking for more difficult hiking, Sage Mountain National Park in British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Island National Park in St John offer awesome, more difficult hiking with absolutely breathtaking views.
The seclusion of the island you can experience by heading to some of these hiking trails will give you a whole new perspective and love of everything the US Virgin Islands have to offer.
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