Hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through densely forested mountains and along sandy beaches throughout the British and US Virgin Islands. Tropical foliage, exotic birds, wild donkeys and ruins from bygone eras are common sights. Bird watchers, photographers and even amateur naturalists will delight in the natural wonders of the Caribbean! El Yunque, The Caribbean National Rain Forest, is named after the Taino Indian spirit "Yuquiya" or "Forest of Clouds". It consists of 28,000 acres and is home to some of the most unusual plant species in this hemisphere. The highest peak (3,537 feet) rewards the dedicated hiker with spectacular panoramic views of the forest below. Taino, Caribe and Arawak Indians once inhabited these islands and some of their culture was left behind and is now protected within the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. Reef Bay Trail leads to the cave dwellings once occupied by these tribes. Their petroglyphs, ancient rock drawings, can be seen in some of the caves. A hike to Annaberg Plantation provides a glimpse of another part of Caribbean History - sugar production and slavery. Ruins of the original mill, a distillery and slave drawings are dispersed along the upper portion of this easy trail. Hot pink flamingos wading in the salt ponds provide colorful photo shots for hikers on Anegada. Sand "roads" (there is only one paved road on the island) are available to hikers willing to share the path with free range cows and goats as well as an occasional scooter. The roads are long and best suited to dedicated hikers but, they eventually lead to some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet. Waking tours, though not hikes in the true sense of the word, provide great opportunity to see island culture and spend some time on shore. On St. Thomas, quaint streets lead to world class duty-free shops and historical sites such as Black Beard's Castle, Fort Christian, and this hemisphere's second oldest synagogue. Pirates once sailed the seas around all of these islands but it was Spy Glass Hill on Norman Island with its strategic view that they used to ambush unsuspecting vessels. The hike up to and around this former pirate paradise is arduous and not suited to every hiker. Be prepared to spend several hours climbing steep hills in intense sun. The panoramic views from the top make the effort more than worthwhile! A short stroll through the town of Cane Garden, Tortola reveals charming Caribbean homes and local shops. Just outside of town, lies Callwood's Distillery where rum is still produced the old fashioned way- from sugar cane grown on the local hillsides. The distillery has been in operation since the 1800's. Whether you are looking for fun or fitness, the Virgin Islands have a trail that is right for you! |
Hiking and Walking Tours...For Fun and Fitness!
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