Johnny Horn Trail

Johnny Horn Trail is a 1.8-mile point-to-point hike from the east end of Waterlemon Bay beach to the paved road beside Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay. It is a strenuous cross-ridge walk, not a loop. Plan on two to four hours, plus time for side trails and the transfer between ends. Walking the named route back the other way makes 3.6 miles before any access connector. The Leinster Bay approach to Waterlemon is separate from the 1.8-mile trail.

The path climbs steeply from the beach, with rocky footing and long stretches exposed to the sun. Historic masonry appears on both sides of the route. Short spurs reach the remains of a Danish guardhouse at Leinster Point and the James Murphy estate house on Windy Hill; treat these as optional detours, not part of the main route. The guardhouse sits above the Narrows and Sir Francis Drake Channel, and the ridge opens toward Tortola. At the ruined arch, frame the opening around the bay and the green ridge beyond.

At about 0.7 mile, Brown Bay Trail branches off. Continue on Johnny Horn along the ridge, where relatively level stretches offer views over Leinster Bay, the Narrows and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The route then descends, crosses a gut and climbs steeply to the improved dirt road near Base Hill. A left spur adds views toward Hurricane Hole and rejoins the main route near the road; the through route continues toward Coral Bay.

From Base Hill, the main trail drops quickly on a rough road to the paved road by the church. The Coral Bay side passes private inholdings in places, so stay on the signed route. The finish is a different access point from the beach start: arrange a pickup or plan to retrace your steps rather than expecting a loop.

Bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes; the steep, sunny climb is most comfortable early or late in the day. The National Park Service lists the trail as open year-round and allows pets. Bring enough water for the full traverse; no on-route water is listed.