Bordeaux Mountain Trail: Hike to St. John's Highest Peak

Embark on an invigorating journey to the summit of Bordeaux Mountain, the highest peak on St. John, via the Bordeaux Mountain Trail. This 2.4-mile trail presents a challenging yet rewarding experience, ascending approximately 1,000 feet from Lameshur Bay to Bordeaux Mountain Road. Once used to transport bay rum leaves, the trail now offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty and discover remnants of its past. The trail begins near the picturesque Lameshur Bay, known for its snorkeling and sugar mill ruins. The initial section follows a steep, unpaved road, passing a National Park ranger residence before transitioning into a rocky and often sun-exposed path. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into a lush tropical forest, providing shade and a glimpse into the island's diverse ecosystem. While the summit itself lacks a formal viewpoint, the panoramic vistas along the way are well worth the effort. Catch your breath and admire the sweeping views of the surrounding islands, turquoise waters, and verdant landscapes. The trail's end, marked somewhat unceremoniously at Bordeaux Road, provides a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions. Keep an eye out for the smooth-barked, aromatic bay rum trees cultivated in the area. Exploring the ruins at the bottom of the trail, you can find the bay rum distillery, the sugar factory, and a boiling bench.