Hiking is now the 4th most popular outdoor activity here in the United States according to a report in 2018. Over 44 million people when on trails that previous year which is 30 million more than back in 2013.

Hiking does wonders for your physical health. It also can help with mental health and you’ll get to see some breathtaking views depending on where you hike. One of the best places to hike is on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands.

If you're planning a trip to the island and looking for a beautiful and adventurous hike then you’re going to want to consider these 7 best hikes in St. John. With its lush rainforest and stunning ocean views, St. John offers plenty of amazing hiking trails for visitors of all levels of experience.

Let’s take a look and explore some of the best hikes on St. John!

Salt Pond/Drunk Bay

If you're looking for a short and easy hike that will still give you some stunning views, look no further than Salt Pond/Drunk Bay.

This lovely little hike is only about a mile out and back, so it won't take up your whole day. In fact, it should only take around 20-30 minutes. However, it’s important to know that even though it's short, it's still packed with beautiful scenery.

You'll get to see the famous Salt Pond, which is a gorgeous blue color, as well as Drunk Bay, which gets its name from the fact that it's often filled with drunk turtles…

We’re just kidding, the name 'Drunk' is taken from the Dutch Creole word for 'drowned'. There won’t be any drunk turtles on the trail, but it’s still full of fun adventures.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy hike with some amazing views, be sure to check out Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. You won't be disappointed!

Ram Head Trail

Ram Head Trail is one of the best hikes in St. John USVI. This hike is moderate in difficulty, but the views are well worth it. It’s a little over 2 miles long.

The trailhead starts at Salt Pond Beach. From there, you will follow a path about a quarter-mile out to the water.

The trail then winds its way down to the beach where you can take a swim or just relax in the sun. This is a great hike for anyone looking for a moderate challenge with amazing views.

Lind Point Trail

The Lind Point Trail is a fairly easy hike in St. John USVI and full of beautiful views of Cruz Bay from the Lower Lind Point Trail, through the Upper Lind Point Trail. This short and easy hike is roughly 2 miles and is great for all skill levels so you can take everyone on it to see some of the most beautiful scenery on the island.

The trailhead is located just past Cruz Bay visitor center, and the hike itself is only about a mile long, two miles for the loop. However, the views from the top of Lind Point are worth every step. From up here, you can see all the way to St. Thomas on a clear day.

The trail is fairly flat, but you will encounter a couple of inclines. Basic running shoes should suffice, you won’t need your hiking boots for this one.

The Lind Point Trail is a must-do when visiting St. John.

Peace Hill Trail

This short but sweet hike is perfect for those who want to see some of the island's stunning scenery without having to commit to a long and strenuous hike. It’s more of a walk, as it’s only a tenth of a mile, but it still has something to offer!

The Peace Hill Trail will take you through a beautiful grassy knoll located between Hawksnest and Denis bays which offers an incredible view of St. John's coast.

This hike is perfect for families with small children or for those looking for a short and easy hike in the morning with your first cup of coffee. The Peace Hill Trail does have a steep grade at one point, but you should be able to still do with any shoes… even some flip-flops.

So, if you're looking for an easy and peaceful hike, be sure to check out the Peace Hill Trail!

Denis Bay Trail

This is a great little hike for those who want to explore the island and not have to worry about running into a bunch of people on a crowded trail. The Denis Bay Trail is an easy 0.4 miles out and back and will only take you about 12 minutes. It’s also off the beaten path, which is why it will be less crowded. This also gives you an opportunity to score a beach area all to yourself.

This trail is perfect for families with small children or beginner hikers. You'll get to experience some of the best views of St. John while on this hike, so be sure to bring your camera!

The Denis Bay Trail will take you through some beautiful scenery but be sure to use the restroom ahead of time and bring your own snacks, as there are no amenities whatsoever. The property line behind is also private property.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking shoes and water bottle and head on over to Denis Bay Trail!

Reef Bay Trail

If you're looking for an adventurous hike with stunning views, look no further than the Reef Bay Trail. Located in St. John USVI, this moderate 4-mile trail is perfect for a half-day excursion. If you don’t make any stops, it should take you around 2-4 hours.

The trailhead can be missed if you’re not paying attention. It starts at mile marker 5 with a very small sign. It takes you through the lush tropical forest before opening up to reveal sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to see some of the island's famous petroglyphs - ancient rock carvings left behind by the Taino people and the ruins of the old sugar mill.

Also, don't forget to pack plenty of water, the trail can be quite strenuous compared to the others on the island. The effort is well worth it when you reach the end and can take a dip in one of the many secluded beaches that line the coast.

Francis Bay Trail

This is a great family-friendly hike that starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory. The trailhead is clearly marked and easy to find. The first part of the hike takes you through some lush vegetation before opening to amazing views of Francis Bay.

Be on the lookout for birds, which are found throughout the whole trail! This is a short but sweet hike that is perfect for those looking to get a taste of the amazing views St. John has to offer or if you love seeing wildlife.

So be sure to bring your binoculars. Happy Hiking!

Let's Hike with Finisterre

There are plenty of adventurous activities to do on the island of St. John, but hiking is one of the best. There are so many different trails to explore, each with its own breathtaking scenery. So, get out there and start exploring!

The seven hikes discussed in this blog post are just a starting point for your adventure. There are plenty more trails to discover on this beautiful island… and other types of adventures such as snorkeling, boating, and more.

Before you start planning for your next adventure, make sure you know how to get to St. John and where you should stay.