Scenic St. Thomas Hiking Trails

• Magens Bay Discovery Nature Trail
• Mermaid’s Chair Trail
• Santa Maria Beach Path
• Charlotte Amalie Harbor Walk
• Hull Bay Trail

Magens Bay Discovery Nature Trail

Venture over to the Magens Bay Hiking Trail and Arboretum to hike along the well-maintained, sometimes steep Discovery Nature Trail that winds through part of a 319-acre preserve on St. Thomas. On the bayside, follow the trail loop for 1.5 miles as it passes through several ecosystems with views of tropical plants, mangrove thickets, and birds like the golden warbler, stilt sandpiper and peregrine falcon. As you reach the 515-foot peak, your first reward awaits — views of gorgeous Magens Bay and Charlotte Amalie below. Follow the trail back down for your second treat, a swim at Magens Bay Beach, recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You deserve it after your 3-mile journey.

Insider Tip: Cut your hike in half by getting dropped off at the top at Magens Bay Road and Canaan, then make your way down to the beach. Wear sturdy shoes — the rocks are sometimes slippery — and bring bug spray.

Mermaid’s Chair Trail

Begin your Mermaid’s Chair Trail hike at The Preserve at Botany Bay, where all visitors must sign in and show identification at the gate. Follow the paved trail down to the remote beach to see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Traversing the 3.5-mile round-trip trail, with beach time included, takes about two hours. Time your visit for low tide, when the sandbar appears, groups of rocks are exposed, and tide pools create natural swim and splash areas. Take time to look around and appreciate the fascinating geology, crystal-clear waters and panoramas of the western tip of the island.

Insider Tip: Be sure to get out of the water and back on the mainland before high tide returns. Although the trail is mostly paved, the 500-foot elevation can make this a strenuous hike back up for some people, especially on a sunny day. Bring plenty of water.

Santa Maria Beach Path

Park at the entrance to the Santa Maria Beach Path trailhead — there’s room for two cars on Fortuna Road — then set off for the peace and solitude of Santa Maria Beach, where it’s rare to run into other people. To get there, you’ll walk about a mile on an out-and-back trail through thick foliage. At the split on the sometimes-slippery trail go left for a longer, more level path, or right for a steeper route. Veer off the trail when you see a yellow rope tied to the trees — you’ll soon spot estate ruins that are worth a look. Continue down to the soft-sand beach lined with swaying palm trees. Snorkel in the shallow water to see colorful marine life, then head back up to the trailhead.

Insider Tip: Hike with a friend, wear sturdy footwear and consider long pants to avoid getting scratched by tree branches. Want to try a second trail? From the same parking area follow the Perseverance Bay Trail, where you’ll pass a salt pond on the way to a rocky beach.

Charlotte Amalie Harbor Walk

See the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands from a different vantage point by following the Charlotte Amalie Harbor Walk. The flat, 2.5-mile out-and-back path by the water begins at the USVI Legislature Building. You’ll have postcard-perfect views of docked cruise ships and sailboats bobbing in the harbor. Walk or run on the paved path that passes by Frenchtown and ends at the foot of Careen Hill. This trail takes about 50 minutes to complete — unless you’re tempted to stop and eat, shop and explore landmarks like the 99 Steps.

Insider Tip: This trail is smooth enough to push a stroller or wheelchair the entire length. There’s no shade, so wear sun protection and bring water. Be sure to stay off the private property that’s adjacent to the trail.

Hull Bay Trail

Try this other easy hike near Charlotte Amalie. Follow Hull Bay Trail for a walk or run on a sometimes steep road through various island neighborhoods. During the 1.7-mile outing you’ll find plenty of places to stop and snap photos of the hilly terrain, Hull Bay and the rocky shoreline. After your walk, relax on Hull Bay Beach, go beachcombing for sea glass, and grab something to eat or drink from The Shack concession stand.

Insider Tip: Bring snorkel gear to explore the underwater marine life at Hull Bay Beach.

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