Trail

Hike the Lind Point Trails

Trail

Hike the Lind Point Trails is a 20-40 minute coastal walk that demands sure footing and aggressive water management—not fitness. Narrow rocky terrain and relentless sun exposure mean dehydration risk despite the short distance. The reward: panoramic views of Honeymoon Bay, Solomon Bay, and sailboats crossing to St. Thomas. Perfect for families willing to supervise near drop-offs.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back with optional loop spurs
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Rocky terrain and no shade demand respect
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back with optional loop spurs
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Rocky terrain and no shade demand respect
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
20-40 minutes for main trail; add 10-15 min to explore spurs
Trail Surface
Narrow rocky trail, uneven footing, minor scrambling
Trail Features
  • Ocean overlook
  • Honeymoon Bay views
  • Solomon Bay views
  • Sailboat watching
  • Coastal vistas
  • Rocky scramble
Trail Highlights
Panoramic views of Honeymoon Bay, Solomon Bay, and sailboats crossing to St. Thomas. The overlook is the payoff—don't miss it.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Lind Point Trail Head, directly behind the visitor center in Cruz Bay
Parking Lot Size
Visitor center lot—capacity unknown, but fills on weekends
Parking Fill Time
By 9-10 AM on winter weekends; rarely full on weekdays
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service. Park at visitor center; trail begins 50 feet from lot.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required for day hiking
Fees
No entrance fee to Virgin Islands National Park; $80 America the Beautiful pass available for annual access
Trail Status
Open year-round
Seasonal Closures
No seasonal trail closures; Virgin Islands National Park is typically open year-round. Visitor center hours: 8:15 AM-4 PM Mon-Thu, 8:15 AM-1:30 PM Fri; closed weekends.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No fresh water on trail; bring at least 1 L. Ocean water visible but not potable.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Narrow rocky trail with uneven footing and cliff-edge sections. No ramps, paved surfaces, or accessible parking. Not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Narrow rocky footing
  • Cliff drop-offs
  • High sun exposure/dehydration
  • Slippery rocks when wet
Hazard Details
Narrow rocky trail with steep drop-offs near overlook. Zero shade means rapid dehydration in tropical sun. Rocks become slippery after rain.
Cell Service
Generally good coverage on St. John
Crowd Level
Moderate to high on weekends and winter season; quiet on weekday mornings
Peak Crowd Times
Winter weekends (Dec-Feb), holidays, weekends year-round. Quietest on weekday mornings before 10 AM.
Best Season
Winter and spring (Nov-Apr) for cooler temperatures. Open year-round; summer and rainy season bring heat and mosquitoes.
Best Time To Visit
Start by 6 AM to beat heat and crowds. Winter and spring (Nov-Apr) offer cooler temperatures; summer sun is relentless. Avoid midday—the overlook has zero shade and dehydration risk spikes fast. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots—rocky footing demands secure grip.
  • Carry at least 1 L water; tropical sun dehydrates fast.
  • Start early; parking fills by mid-morning on weekends.
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen; there's no shade on the overlook.
  • Watch your step near drop-offs; rocks can be slippery.
  • Supervise children closely on rocky sections and near cliff edges.

More details

Park Area
St. John, northern coast near Cruz Bay
Trail Markers
Well-marked with clear signage for most spurs and loops
Dogs Allowed
Yes, on-leash only (see park pets policy for specific restrictions)
Biking Allowed
No—narrow rocky terrain unsuitable for bikes
Shade Level
Full sun exposure; essentially zero shade on the overlook. Tropical sun is intense.
Emergency Contacts
Park ranger at visitor center (8:15 AM-4 PM Mon-Thu, 8:15 AM-1:30 PM Fri). Emergency: 911
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
N/A—tropical island, no snow
Mud Season
Increased slipperiness possible during rainy season (Sep-Nov)
Wildflower Peak
Year-round tropical blooms; no specific peak
Fall Colors Peak
N/A—tropical vegetation does not change color seasonally
Bug Season
Mosquito activity possible year-round, especially during rainy season (Jun-Nov). Consider insect repellent.
Insider Tips
  • Arrive before 8:30 AM to claim parking on weekends.
  • The overlook is the payoff—push past the first junctions to reach it.
  • Bring twice the water you think you need; sun is relentless.
  • Wear reef shoes or hiking boots for sure footing on wet rocks.
  • Early morning hikes avoid midday heat and crowds.
Recent Updates
No major trail closures or reroutes reported. Trail conditions vary after heavy rain; contact visitor center for current status.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for families with children 5+ who have good balance. Parental supervision mandatory near rocky sections and drop-offs. Hand-holding mandatory on narrow sections and overlook edges. Not suitable for children under 5.
Nearby Facilities
Visitor center (restrooms, water, gift shop, ranger station). Nearby beaches: Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay. Other nearby trails: Caneel Hill Trail, Francis Bay Trail, Reef Bay Trail.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the short duration and bay views, but note the narrow rocky terrain and intense sun exposure. Most agree it's perfect for families seeking a quick scenic walk, provided children are steady on rocky ground.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail difficult?

No—it's short and well-marked, but narrow rocky terrain and full sun demand respect. Fitness isn't the bottleneck; sure footing and heat management are.

Can young kids do this?

Ages 5+ with strong balance and parental supervision. Rocky terrain and drop-offs near the overlook mean hand-holding is mandatory for younger children.

What's the real time commitment?

20-40 minutes for the main trail, plus 10 min if you explore spurs. Don't rush; the overlook is the reward.

Do I need special gear?

Reef shoes or hiking boots for grip on rocky terrain. Hat and sunscreen are not optional—full sun exposure. Carry at least 1 L water.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, the trail is well-marked and busy enough for safety. Cell coverage is generally good on St. John.

What's the biggest hazard?

Sun and dehydration, not falling. The trail is short and well-marked, but many hikers underestimate sun exposure on a Caribbean island.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

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Caneel Hill Trail

Steep 1-mile uphill to island views. Rocky footing and grit required.

Francis Bay Trail

Easy boardwalk loop through mangrove salt pond. Birds, accessibility, tropical forest. 30-90 min, zero elevation. Hydrate hard.

Reef Bay Trail

Strenuous 3mi hike with 900ft gain to ancient petroglyphs and beach. Steep, rocky, slippery. Serious hikers only.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.