Tektite Trailhead: A Hike to History and Coastal Views

The Tektite Trailhead invites hikers to explore a unique slice of St. John's history and natural beauty. The trail is named after the Tektite Project, an underwater habitat built in the late 1960s by GE, NASA, and the U.S. Navy to study the effects of prolonged underwater living. The habitat was located in Beehive Cove, and the trail connects to the old Tektite Road, which was constructed to support the project. The 0.7-mile trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent, climbing 161 feet through dry forest terrain. The path can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with views of the surrounding landscape and the Caribbean Sea. At the top of the hill, the trail meets the remains of an old bulldozed road and the ruins of a stone structure. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views and refreshing trade winds. The trail continues along the ridgeline over three hills, with spur trails leading to Cabritte Horn Point and the shoreline of Great Lameshur Bay. Cabritte Horn Point offers particularly stunning views of the southeast coast of St. John and, on clear days, St. Croix. The Tektite Trail provides a connection to St. John's unique history and breathtaking scenery.