America Hill Great House Ruins: A Glimpse into St. John's Past
Discover St. John's history at America Hill Great House Ruins, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.
Explore the historic America Hill Great House Ruins on St. John, a former estate and guesthouse offering stunning views of Maho and Francis Bays. Hike through lush forests to discover the remnants of this 19th-century structure and learn about its intriguing history, including rumors of rum-running during the Prohibition era.
A brief summary to America Hill Great House Ruins
- 9732+C3F, Rte 20, St. John, Great Cinnamon Bay, St John, 00830, VI
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes with good traction for the rocky and sometimes slippery trail.
- Bring plenty of water, as the hike can be strenuous and the weather is typically hot.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Cinnamon Bay Beach for a relaxing afternoon.
- Check the local weather conditions before heading out, as the trail can be affected by rain.
Getting There
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Walking
The America Hill Great House Ruins are accessed via a 1.2-mile roundtrip hike from Cinnamon Bay. Park at the Cinnamon Bay Campground and walk towards the Cinnamon Bay Beach. Carefully cross the road and follow the walkway in front of the Cinnamon Bay sugar mill ruins. The Cinnamon Bay Trail begins east of the ruins. The trail is steep at the beginning, but stairs have been added to make the initial climb easier. After approximately five minutes, you will cross a gut. The spur trail to America Hill is on your left, about 50 yards after the gut crossing. There are no entrance fees or mandatory access fees.
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Public Transport
From Cruz Bay, take the public VITRAN bus heading towards Maho Bay or Cinnamon Bay. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at the Cinnamon Bay Campground. From the bus stop, carefully cross the road and follow the walkway in front of the Cinnamon Bay sugar mill ruins. The Cinnamon Bay Trail begins east of the ruins. Follow the walking directions to access the America Hill Great House Ruins. A one-way fare on the VITRAN bus is $1.
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Taxi
From Cruz Bay, a taxi to the Cinnamon Bay Campground, the starting point for the hike to America Hill Great House Ruins, will cost approximately $15-$20. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Cinnamon Bay Campground. From there, carefully cross the road and follow the walkway in front of the Cinnamon Bay sugar mill ruins. The Cinnamon Bay Trail begins east of the ruins. Follow the walking directions to access the America Hill Great House Ruins.
Discover more about America Hill Great House Ruins
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