9 Trails for the Best Hiking in St Thomas 2023
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.
This guide will take you through 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!
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.
9 Best Trails for Hiking in St Thomas
1. Take a trip to Cas Cay
For the best hiking in St Thomas, 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 to 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.
Kayak, snorkel, and hike around the Lagoon ➡️
⭐ Plan your kayaking trip with Virgin Island Ecotours
2. Mermaids Chair Trail
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation: 816 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Need ID to sign into Botany Bay to begin 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, 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’s Chair.
Follow the paved trail signs to the beach and enjoy the quiet adventure!
3. Hull Bay Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation: 314 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Simple trail, good for a morning walk or run
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.
4. Santa Maria Beach Path
Distance: 1.0 miles
Elevation: 262 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Short path, good for a morning walk or run, populated
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 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.
5. John Brewers Cave Trail at Brewers Bay
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
Peak up the mountain 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.
6. Hike the Magens Bay Trail
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.
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 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.
7. Neltjeberg Beach Trail
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
At the first fork in the road, take a left turn and follow the path down to Neltjeberg Beach. You can only get to this beach by hiking or by boat.
The trail is a little rocky, so wear good shoes for safety. This is a very off-the-beaten-path hike; you can get to it by the off-road hike or a rock scramble from Dorthea Beach.
Watch the video below for more details on the Neltjeber Beach Trail hike in St Thomas.
8. Harbor Walk
Distance: 2.5 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 121 ft
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Paved road near Charlotte Amalie. A more populated walking path
This trail in Charlotte Amalie is a 2.5 paved walk downtown. It’s a flat hike in St Thomas, so it’s perfect for running or an afternoon stroll.
Charlotte Amalie is filled with restaurants, shops, and vendors around the harbor. This hike is a great way to chill out after a long day and enjoy some local shopping or eating.
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 hikes if you plan to spend the day in St John.
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
Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 889 ft
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Entrance at Cinnamon Bay Campground
This steep hike takes you through the remains of old sugar mills in St John. Head to the lookout for incredible views and learn about some historic St John sites along the way.
Head to the Reef Bay trail nearby to continue your day of hiking in St John!
10. Caneel Hill Trail
Distance: 4.0 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 889 ft
Type: Out and Back
Notes: Parking lot at the trailhead, wear proper shoes.
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.
11. Sage Mountain National Park in BVI Mount Sage
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!
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.
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.
Hiking in St Croix
12. Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail
Distance: 3.6 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 465 ft
Type: Out and Back
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!
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?
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:
Sunscreen so SO important when you’re on an island – even if it feels like a rainy or shady day. The sun will always be stronger in St Thomas. Don’t ruin your trip (or your skin) with sunburn! BUT don’t forget – US Virgin Islands require REEF SAFE sunscreen. They care deeply for their coral reefs, many of them being protected areas.
There are many ingredients to look for to ensure you’re buying sunscreen that won’t harm the coral reefs.
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 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
Hiking in St Thomas FAQ
There are plenty of hiking trails in St Thomas! Though some of the terrain throughout the island can be difficult, most trails are very user-friendly!
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.
The hike to Mermaid’s Chair is about 3.6 miles. It’s good for beginners and advanced hikers.
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!
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, St Thomas hiking trails 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.
