Tektite Trail: A Hike Through History and Nature

Embark on a journey through history and nature along the Tektite Trail, a 0.7-mile path located in the Lameshur Complex of St. John, within the Virgin Islands National Park. This trail is not officially maintained by the Park Service, adding to its off-the-beaten-path appeal. The Tektite Trail got its name from the Tektite Project, a cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Navy, NASA, and General Electric Co. In 1969, an underwater habitat was placed 50 feet below the surface of Beehive Cove, serving as a model for the orbiting Skylab. Four aquanauts lived in the habitat for 58 days, monitored for the psychological effects of extended isolation and the physiological results of breathing compressed air. The trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic views from coastal cliffs. The path winds through dry forest terrain, connecting to the remnants of Tektite Road, which was originally constructed to support the Tektite Project. As you hike, keep an eye out for the diverse plant and animal life, including deer. The trail can be overgrown in places, requiring careful navigation, but persistence is rewarded with stunning rocky outcrops and scenic vistas. At the top of the hill, where the trail meets the remains of an old bulldozed road and the ruins of a stone structure, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views and refreshing tradewinds. The trail continues over the ridge of the hill and begins a gentle descent leading to a grassy area with views to the east, south, and west.