Lameshur Bay Trail

Overview

If you like your island hikes with real payoff and a bit of grit, this one delivers. The Lameshur Bay Trail runs 3.8 miles total (out-and-back) with about 1,345 feet of climbing, typically taking around 2.5 hours. Expect heat, some brushy sections, and stretches of direct sun—plus quiet forest, historic ruins, and access to the famous Reef Bay petroglyphs via a short extension.

Route snapshot

Starting near Great/Little Lameshur Bay on St. John’s south shore, the path eases through dry tropical forest before climbing to a roughly 467-foot ridge with peeks back toward the bays. From there it drops quickly into the Reef Bay valley, where the forest is cooler and shadier in places. At about 1.5 miles you meet the Reef Bay Trail. From that junction, most hikers add a 0.4-mile spur to either the Reef Bay Sugar Mill or the petroglyph pool and carvings, which keeps the outing at about 3.8 miles total.

Highlights you’ll notice

• History at your feet: pass the remains of a bay rum still and lime still that were operating in the early 1900s, and detour to the Reef Bay estate/Great House ruins deeper in the valley.
• Culture and geology: the petroglyphs sit by a pool in a steep, V-shaped volcanic valley; flow can be seasonal, so the pool may be low in dry spells.
• Flora: dry forest gives way to lusher valley vegetation; keep an eye out for citrus—lime trees still dot sections of the route.

Difficulty and who it’s for

This is moderate-to-challenging thanks to steady climbs, heat/humidity, and occasional overgrowth. If you’re comfortable with rocky, uneven tread and island sun, you’ll be fine—just start early and carry more water than you think you need. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Best time to hike

Go at sunrise or early morning for shade and cooler temps. The December–July window generally offers more comfortable hiking and better footing, though showers can still make rocks slick. Midday heat can be punishing; treat afternoon starts as a snorkeling/beach add-on, not your primary hike window.

Extensions and side quests

• Petroglyphs: from the Reef Bay junction, head 0.4 mi up-valley to the carvings. Iconic and worth the extra effort.
• Reef Bay Sugar Mill: 0.4 mi down-valley from the junction leads to evocative sugar-era ruins.
• Europa Bay spur: a short side path near Lameshur reaches a small salt pond and coral rubble beach. Strong swimmers report excellent snorkeling here when conditions cooperate.

Getting there and parking

Drive past Salt Pond on Route 107; the final stretch alternates paved and dirt and can be rocky and rutted, especially after Little Lameshur. Park by the National Park Service sign at Great Lameshur Bay when the road is passable. High-clearance 4x4 is strongly recommended; if the road looks rough, park earlier and walk the last bit (about 10–15 minutes). Cell service is spotty—download your map before you go.

Tips and cautions

• Start early; carry 2–3 liters of water per person plus electrolytes. Sun protection and sturdy, grippy shoes are essential.
• Expect sections of brush; long sleeves aren’t a bad idea. Trails can be slick after rain.
• If bringing a dog, keep it leashed and be mindful that many park beaches don’t allow pets, even if the trail does.
• Navigation is straightforward, but limited service means offline maps are smart.