St. John Petroglyph Trail

St. Thomas has so much to offer, but when it comes to the neighboring island of St. John, it pales in comparison with nature trails.  One of the most notable of these trails is the Petroglyph Trail that’s apart of the Reef Bay Trail.

Believe me when I say this hike has so much to offer. It has beautiful Caribbean flora and fauna, well maintained trails, quintessential St. John plantation ruins, and last but not least, the famous petroglyphs.

These petroglyphs were carved by the Taino people beginning around 200 A.D. and ending with the collapse of Taino settlements in the area after European arrival in the late 1400’s. The small waterfall and pools were sacred to the Taino as they were one of the only reliable water sources on the Island; the trickle of water is almost unaffected by lack of rainfall. The only time you may not see a waterfall is during a significant drought.  Around the pools the Taino carved depictions of local animals and plants, ones that they relied on for sustenance and medicinal uses. Other carvings seem to represent people or gods. Relatively little is known about the glyphs themselves however, with many theories concerning their origin and meaning. Other carvings have been found throughout the park, even in recent years. Other collections of ancient petroglyphs can be found throughout the caribbean.

You may not have heard of this trail, but if you have visited St. John, chances are you’ve seen the glyphs before. The petroglyphs have inspired many local artists and jewelry makers on the island and could even be considered as the official symbol of St. John.

The petroglyphs in St. John are protected by the National Park Service within Virgin Islands National Park. To see the glyphs for yourself, find the park’s Reef Bay Trail off Centerline Road. Follow the trail downhill for just over two miles, then turn right at the marker for the Petroglyphs Trail. The waterfall, pools, and glyphs are only a further three tenths of a mile down the trail. Be prepared for the steadily uphill two mile climb back to the trail head. Always bring water, proper clothing and shoes, and use sun protection. Never hike alone, and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Free maps, basic trail guides, and park specific safety information are available from the Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.

This trail is a photographer’s dream; so don’t forget your camera! When you arrive to the petroglyphs, there is a wonderful open area that gives you many angles to get the best shot. It’s also a great area to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Next time you’re in the area, make it a priority to hike the petroglyph trail. It is a beautiful trail that takes you back in time and really appreciate the beauty of St. John. Here's an 8 minute video that gives you a sneak peek of the full experience: 

For more information on the Petroglyphs and the National Park, visit the official NPS website at: http://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

For information on visiting St. John or the other U.S. Virgin Islands please visit U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism at: http://www.visitusvi.com/

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