Beginning from a small pullout on Centerline Road, the trail goes immediately downhill on rough stairs, then remains a rooty, rocky, and sometimes slick path all the way down to the beach. This is not a casual beach walk, but more like a rugged mountain hike, especially on the all-uphill return journey. Come prepared with proper shoes and clothing, plus snacks and lots of water.

After descending past a couple sets of ruins and some particularly impressive trees, you’ll eventually reach the side trail signed for the petroglyphs. It leads to a 40-foot waterfall that flows with recent rain. Near the base is a spring-fed pool against a natural stone wall, carved with a handful of figures near the water level. These appear to depict monkeys and other creatures, and are believed to be made by the Taino people as much as 1000 years ago. It is important to view these with respect and don’t touch them at all, in order to keep them preserved.

Back on the main trail and nearing the end, you’ll find some of the most intact ruins on the island––the Reef Bay Sugar Mill. The site dates back to colonial times, but present structures were used more recently, evidenced by a mechanical press and other updates. Just beyond is the beach at Reef Bay, a sandy and rocky shore where you’ll certainly want to take a dip before beginning the long hike out. The beach is lovely and great for snorkeling, but with so much nature and history to view along the way, the beach may not even be the highlight of the incredible hike to Reef Bay.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/reef-bay-trail.htm https://stjohnescape.com/hiking-the-reef-bay-trail-one-of-st-johns-best-hikes/