Cinnamon Bay Trail: A Journey Through History and Nature

The Cinnamon Bay Trail on St. John, in the US Virgin Islands National Park, offers hikers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical exploration. The trail meanders through the remains of the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation, established by the Danes in 1717, one of the earliest on St. John. As you walk, you can still smell the spicy scent of bay rum trees, once used to make the famous St. John Bay Rum cologne.There are actually two trails at Cinnamon Bay: the Cinnamon Bay Trail and the Cinnamon Bay Loop Trail. The Cinnamon Bay Loop is a 0.5-mile, relatively flat and shady walk, with informative signs detailing the history, culture, and environment of the area, and is wheelchair accessible. The more adventurous 1.2-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail connects Cinnamon Bay with Centerline Road, ascending steeply and gaining about 700 feet in elevation. A 0.38-mile spur trail off the Cinnamon Bay Trail leads to the America Hill ruins.Along the trails, discover the remnants of a sugar factory, including the horse mill where sugarcane juice was extracted, and the boiling house where syrup was condensed. The trail also passes the crypts of a Danish family and the ruins of the America Hill Great House, offering picturesque views of Maho Bay, Francis Bay, and the British Virgin Islands. The well-managed trails sometimes follow a ridgeline, so caution is advised.Today, the remnants of the old rum factory are still prominent, and when you reach the top of your hike, you'll be able to see the ruins and enjoy the stunning views.