Beginning from the spectacular Annaberg Ruins, this route follows a series of trails through increasingly secluded scenery, ending at the very remote Brown Bay.
Hiking Moderate
Leinster Bay is a very popular trail that begins from the Annaberg Picnic Area. While there, don’t miss out on walking among the hilltop ruins at Annaberg. Then go back down toward the beach to find the Leinster Bay Trail. It continues along the shoreline among leafy mangroves and passes alternating rocky and sandy beaches on the way to Watermelon Bay. Once in the bay, you’ll find a lovely strip of sand and calm water with excellent snorkeling. The only access to this spot is by boat or trail, so it is never crowded.
From the end of Watermelon Bay Beach, the trail goes into the foliage and starts uphill, to soon reach two sets of ruins. These are smaller than the Annaberg Ruins but with even better views, and their location is much more secluded. The trail continues beyond these ruins to join the Johnny Horn Trail and continue toward Brown Bay. Most people turn around at the Leinster Ruins, so the trail becomes more rugged and somewhat overgrown beyond there. Long pants are recommended to guard against thorny plants. The Johnny Horn Trail proceeds uphill through the sunny scrub forest to a ridge top and a junction with Brown Bay Trail. Turn on Brown Bay Trail and follow it downhill all the way to the coast.
Note that you could cut out some or all of this walking distance with a boat. Lots of people kayak or paddleboard from Annaberg to Watermelon Bay. By doing that, you could stash or moor your boat and start the hiking in Watermelon Bay, or even continue paddling around Leinster Point to Brown Bay, though the water is rougher out there.
No matter how you reach it, by water or by trail, at Brown Bay you’ll find a cove of calm water where hardly anyone goes. The bay has a narrow sand beach, but it can get covered with the tide, and the nearby salt pond contributes some extra odors and insects. Therefore you should bring snorkeling gear to get full value out of this spot, as the water is the best place to be.
The Brown Bay Trail actually continues up the nearby ridge to an overlook of Hurricane Hole on the other side of the island. It then crosses over to meet East End Road, so you could hike to Brown Bay from that end of the trail instead.
Source: https://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/upload/New%20Trail%20Map%201.pdf
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Away from help but easily accessed.
2.1 km away
One of the best hikes on St. John: Descending through a forest rich with wildlife, past plantation ruins and even older petroglyphs, to a deserted beach on the quiet side of the island.
Difficult Hiking
4.7 km away
The best trail for a hiking workout on St. John.
Difficult Hiking
6.2 km away
Easy stroll to a secluded beach, followed by a tougher hike up a windswept peak at the tip of the island.
Moderate Hiking
7.4 km away
Walk through the forest to find secluded, sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Easy Hiking
5 routes · Hiking
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking