The Lind Point Trail was just okay for me (well, sort of...). Yet...for anyone visiting St. John and Virgin Islands National Park, I at least highly recommend trekking up to the overlook. Beyond that....I found the trail to be mediocre. So....in all, I'd give 4 stars for the walk up to the overlook, and 3 stars the rest of the way.
I had my rental car with me for exploring this island and the park. And...the start of the hike is located right behind the Virgin Islands Park Visitor's Center. Parking is pretty difficult overall while I ventured around. But, for this Lind Point Trail, there were literally 4 parking spaces available at the Visitor's Center where you can leave your car for a 1 hour time limit. I arrived early in the morning about 9am, and was fortunate enough to grab one of those spots. After venturing inside the Visitor's Center....I then hiked up the trail.
Making my way to the overlook, it was simple. Yeah granted it's uphill, but the distance towards it was 1/3 of a mile.
The Lind Point Overlook was great. It's a pleasant panoramic vista of all the town and island of Cruz Bay, St. John. I truly appreciated the views. Though....for me being a perfectionist, when I visited in morning during both days that I explored here, one morning the clouds were out in full force that tainted the clear blue waters of the bay, and the other morning I came here again and the sun faced right into my eyes in my direction while I peered out onto the waters. The surroundings were blinded by the light. Grrrr....so I never got the ideal photographs I was anticipating of beautiful Cruz Bay.
I'd recommend to those out there who hike this trail....come on by in the afternoons! Yes...and hopefully when there's no clouds. Still, the views here were worth it and are the absolute highlight to this Lind Point Trail.
Now...I did venture further along exploring the hike. There are 2 sections of the trail you can traverse. The Upper and Lower Trails. Yet....both lead exactly to the same spots around the island. So....there's really no difference either or which path you choose. I found out....might as well take the other Lower Lind Point Trail as it was shorter to gain access to the beaches.
So....upon continuing past the overlook, I had researched ahead of time that Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches contained white sands and were quite picturesque. I was intrigued to find out if that was true.
Yet though....upon arriving at both of these beaches, I was disappointed. One thing...from the overlook, it was maybe another third or half mile more to get to Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches. Not much more of a scamper.
Both Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches were virtually identical. They were both real small, secluded and quiet. I was the only person on both beaches during my time there.
And...although it may have been cloudy, I couldn't tell if there were white sands or not. Also, the waters certainly were not turquoise blue either. I honestly felt like visiting those two beaches were a waste of time. And now I understand why I was the only person among them. Because....they don't nearly hold a candle to the more famous and iconic Virgin Island beaches like Hawksnest, Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. These recognizable areas absolutely had the magnificent and colorful waters. But, not Salomon or Honeymoon. They can be skipped.
Also, this Lind Point Trail lead to Caneel Bay Beach, but since I was trekking all the way in the same area/general direction and I was letdown to begin with.....I actually skipped checking out Caneel Bay.
Otherwise, there was really not much else to see on Lind Point Trail. Yeah...the trek around lead me through forest and lush tropical vegetation, but it wasn't anymore special whatsoever.
Finally, my advice to tourists and travelers....at least make it to Lind Point Overlook and you'll then be okay to leave and continue on exploring the rest of St. John and Virgin Islands National Park.
For me, from here I started my travels along North Shore Drive...(the main attraction road to get around)....where I ultimately continued along on my journey.
If anyone cares to know, the only other short hike I'd recommend on the island is Peace Hill. Absolutely do this...another simple little saunter up a hill leading to wonderful scenery of the Trunk Bay waters. read more