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Tektite Trailhead: A Hike to History and Views

Hike the Tektite Trail in St. John for stunning views, a touch of history, and a moderately challenging adventure in Virgin Islands National Park.

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The Tektite Trailhead on St. John, part of the Virgin Islands National Park, marks the start of a moderately challenging hike through diverse terrain leading to stunning coastal views and a glimpse into the island's unique history tied to the Tektite Project.

A brief summary to Tektite Trailhead

  • 878M+V8R, Rte 107, St John, Lameshur Complex, St John, 00830, VI
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Local tips

  • Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and ensure cooler temperatures.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky and sometimes overgrown terrain comfortably.
  • Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, as there are no facilities along the trail.
  • Consider wearing long pants and sleeves to protect yourself from the overgrown vegetation and potential insect bites.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out, as rain can make the trails slippery.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available. Inform the driver you wish to go to the Tektite Trailhead in the Lameshur Complex. The taxi ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Confirm the fare before starting your journey; expect to pay around $25 per person, as the trailhead is in a remote area. Note that taxis are shared, so you may be grouped with other passengers.

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, take Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road (Route 20) towards Coral Bay. At the bottom of the steep hill entering Coral Bay, turn right. Follow the winding road for about 5 miles, past Concordia and Salt Pond. At the end of the paved road, you'll find the entrance to the Lameshur Bays. Continue 1.5 miles on the unpaved road past Great Lameshur Bay to reach Lameshur Bay. The Tektite Trailhead will be on your left. Note: The unpaved road is rough and best suited for 4x4 vehicles. Parking is limited.

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Discover more about Tektite Trailhead

Tektite Trailhead provides access to a scenic 0.7-mile hike that blends natural beauty with historical intrigue. Located within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, the trail offers hikers a moderately challenging experience, with some reporting a steep incline at the beginning. The trail winds through dry forest terrain and connects with the remnants of Tektite Road, originally constructed to support the Tektite Project. This ambitious underwater habitat experiment, conducted in 1969, saw aquanauts living and working in Beehive Cove, a short distance from the trailhead. Divers can still explore the area and discover a varied terrain of coral-encrusted tunnels, caves, and ledges. As you ascend, the path can be overgrown, requiring careful footing, but persistence pays off with rewarding views from rocky outcrops. The trail follows the ridgeline over three hills, offering spur trails to Cabritte Horn Point and the shoreline of Great Lameshur Bay. From the trail's high points, hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas of St. John's southeast coast and, on clear days, St. Croix to the south.

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