Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop

Overview

The Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop is a short, easy, history-rich walk tucked into the forest across from Cinnamon Bay Beach. At roughly 0.5 miles total, it’s a mostly flat, shaded loop with paved and boardwalk sections that make the first part very approachable for most visitors, including families. Plan on 20–40 minutes depending on how much time you spend at the interpretive stops.

What you’ll see

This loop threads through the ruins of the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation, including the horse mill, boiling house with chimney, storage areas, and a preserved bay rum distillery. Excellent interpretive signs bring the plantation era to life—covering the people who lived and labored here, the terracing and water systems, and the surrounding flora and fauna. You’ll walk among bay rum trees and other tropical species like mango, guavaberry, genip, kapok, mammee apple, and even a small stand of cacao. A short spur leads to an old Danish cemetery. The trail also crosses a small “gut” (seasonal gully) that once helped supply water to the plantation.

Route and options

Start on the broad, paved/boardwalk path through the main ruins. After the developed section, the loop continues briefly as a narrow, unpaved path between buildings before rejoining near the southeast corner—easy to miss if you assume the boardwalk is the end. If you want to turn this into a workout, the steeper Cinnamon Bay Trail begins just east of the ruins and climbs to Centerline Road, with an optional spur to the America Hill great-house ruins and big views. Otherwise, keep it mellow and stick to the nature loop.

Logistics

The trailhead sits directly across North Shore Road from the entrance to Cinnamon Bay Beach/Campground. Pair the walk with beach time—there are facilities at the beach, and it’s an easy place to grab a rinse, a snack, or a swim afterward. Taxis commonly drop off and pick up here.

Best time to hike

Go early for cooler temps and quieter paths. The canopy keeps things shaded most of the day, but humidity can still be high, and footing can get slick after rain. If you’re here midday, the loop’s shade makes it a great break from the sun before or after beach time.

Gear and tips

Bring insect repellent (especially around ankles/calves) and water—this is the tropics. Wear grippy shoes if you plan to continue on the unpaved portion or extend onto the steeper trail. Do not climb on or enter the ruins; some structures are unstable. A slow pace pays off here—the signage is good, and there’s a lot to notice in a short distance.