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Johnny Horn Trail

Johnny Horn Trail – St. John, USVI
• Distance & Route: 1.8-mile strenuous out-and-back hike  . The trail begins at the east end of Waterlemon Bay (Leinster Bay) beach and climbs south across a ridge, ending at the historic Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay  . Expect steep, exposed terrain. Plan on 2–4 hours round-trip .
• Scenic Highlights: The ascent rewards hikers with panoramic island and ocean vistas. At the top of the first hill, a short spur trail leads to sweeping 360° views of surrounding hills and turquoise waters . About 0.7 miles in, the trail intersects the Brown Bay Trail and continues to Base Hill, where there are sweeping views of Coral Bay below . Another side trail drops down to the sheltered Hurricane Hole inlet. Along the route you’ll hike through dry upland forest and coastal scrub, with frequent glimpses of the Caribbean Sea.
• Historic Ruins: This trail passes several colonial-era sites. Soon after the start you’ll encounter the ruins of an old Danish Guardhouse (built to guard against slave escape routes) . Further along are the stone foundations of a 1700s sugar-plantation great house (the Windy Hill Great House), along with old sugar-mill ruins and farm terraces. These historic remnants line the shores and hillsides, highlighting St. John’s Danish West Indies heritage.
• Trail Details: The main trail is well-marked and largely uphill on the way out, then follows an old farm road down toward Coral Bay on return . Brown Bay Trail branches off at ~0.7 mi . The final descent to the Emmaus Moravian Church (dating from the early 1800s) is along a quiet paved road in Coral Bay.
• Who Should Hike: Ideal for fit, adventurous hikers seeking a backcountry trek with big rewards . The route is officially rated strenuous . It is steep and largely unshaded, so bring plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes . Those prepared will be rewarded with stunning mountain-to-sea scenery and a taste of Virgin Islands history on foot.

Overall: The Johnny Horn Trail is a challenging, scenic backcountry hike on St. John that combines lush nature views with fascinating ruins. Its panoramic vistas, quiet forest canopies, and historic sites make it a memorable adventure for experienced hikers.

Claimed
0.000
St. John
Explore Hiking Historical Site
Contact Information
Johnny Horn Trl, 00830
https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/johnny...
Location
St. John
Detailed Information

Johnny Horn Trail – St. John, USVI

  • Distance & Route: 1.8-mile strenuous out-and-back hike . The trail begins at the east end of Waterlemon Bay (Leinster Bay) beach and climbs south across a ridge, ending at the historic Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay . Expect steep, exposed terrain. Plan on 2–4 hours round-trip .
  • Scenic Highlights: The ascent rewards hikers with panoramic island and ocean vistas. At the top of the first hill, a short spur trail leads to sweeping 360° views of surrounding hills and turquoise waters . About 0.7 miles in, the trail intersects the Brown Bay Trail and continues to Base Hill, where there are sweeping views of Coral Bay below .  Another side trail drops down to the sheltered Hurricane Hole inlet.  Along the route you’ll hike through dry upland forest and coastal scrub, with frequent glimpses of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Historic Ruins: This trail passes several colonial-era sites.  Soon after the start you’ll encounter the ruins of an old Danish Guardhouse (built to guard against slave escape routes) .  Further along are the stone foundations of a 1700s sugar-plantation great house (the Windy Hill Great House), along with old sugar-mill ruins and farm terraces.  These historic remnants line the shores and hillsides, highlighting St. John’s Danish West Indies heritage.
  • Trail Details: The main trail is well-marked and largely uphill on the way out, then follows an old farm road down toward Coral Bay on return .  Brown Bay Trail branches off at ~0.7 mi . The final descent to the Emmaus Moravian Church (dating from the early 1800s) is along a quiet paved road in Coral Bay.
  • Who Should Hike: Ideal for fit, adventurous hikers seeking a backcountry trek with big rewards . The route is officially rated strenuous .  It is steep and largely unshaded, so bring plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes .  Those prepared will be rewarded with stunning mountain-to-sea scenery and a taste of Virgin Islands history on foot.

Overall: The Johnny Horn Trail is a challenging, scenic backcountry hike on St. John that combines lush nature views with fascinating ruins.  Its panoramic vistas, quiet forest canopies, and historic sites make it a memorable adventure for experienced hikers.

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