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A fantastic short hike with amazing bird watching, Francis Bay Trail is a hidden gem.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

Out and Back

28' 9 m

High

20' 6 m

Low

14' 4 m

Up

14' 4 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Swimming · Views

Family Friendly Easy, family friendly, educational walk. Beach access.

No glass or smoking on the beach. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail but they are NOT allowed on the beach.

Overview

An amazing trail to experience the diverse flora amd fauna of the park.

Description

There are two parking lots that can provide access to this trail, one down by Francis Bay Beach and a paved parking lot on the right on the way to Francis Bay. This is trail is built and maintained by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our National Park. A large portion of this trail is ADA and eco friendly. Almost half of the trail is built as a raised platform to protect the ecosystem of the local salt pond. Here you'll find many native species of birds and ducks. It is also common to see lots of land crabs, hermit crabs, iguanas, deer, mongoose and, of course, donkeys.

The trail can be completed as a loop using the dirt road or treated as an out-and-back if one wants to park in the paved area and enjoy a short hike to the beach. Hiking this way you'll see some ruins on the right side from when this entire area of the island was used to raise cattle.

The National Park Service also offers Ranger-led bird walks here every Friday morning. Contact the NPS for more information at 340-693-PARK.

Flora & Fauna

One of the best bird watching spots on the island. Also lots of deer, donkeys, crabs, mongoose, and more.

Expect to see lots of Maho trees and Mangroves towards the pond. There is a large Tamarind tree towards the end of the ADA section. Hiking back towards the paved parking lot, you will see some cacti.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jon Eichner

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1412

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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#1,412

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Photos

Francis Bay.
Jan 7, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Boardwalk on Francis Bay Trail.
Jul 29, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Boardwalk to Francis Bay.
Jan 7, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Francis Bay Trail.
Jan 7, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI
Maho flower.
Mar 2, 2016 near Cruz Bay, VI

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