St. John Information / National ParkUSVI National Park and the beaches of St. John
Yep, it's paradise because over 65% of the island is a National Park!
Partially from the National Park Service website:
American Paradise
Virgin Islands National Park’s hills, valleys and beaches are breath-taking. However, within its 7,000 plus acres on the island of St. John is the complex history of civilizations - both free and enslaved - dating back more than a thousand years, all who utilized the land and the sea for survival. The National Park Service has developed a wonderful map of St John's Virgin Islands National Park which shows, in great detail, the Park's boundary, trails, beaches, and roadways.
History
Civilizations lived on St. John long before the Europeans arrived to the region, as evidenced by the petroglyphs, or rock carvings left by the Taino people. These carvings are found especially on the Reef Bay hiking trail. These people were all but driven into extinction by Europeans in the 17th century seeking new territories as colonial properties.
Natural History
Much of the vegetation on the Island is second generation growth. Almost the entire Island was clear-cut to make way for sugar cane production during the colonial era. Some native species like the tyre palm remain, but much growth today are introduced species.
Submerged Lands
In 1962, Congress expanded the boundary of Virgin Islands National Park to include 5,650 acres of submerged lands to protect and preserve the beautiful coral gardens and seascapes. Today, the Park conducts research, and has developed policies and practices aimed at protecting the fragile coral reef systems.
Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It features a 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. There is a bathhouse, snack bar, souvenir shop and snorkel gear rentals are available. Lifeguards are on duty daily. There is a day-use fee.
Cinnamon Bay has a water sports center that rents snorkel gear and windsurfers, and can arrange day sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving lessons. A campground with bare tent sites, prepared sites and cottages is adjacent to the beach.
Hawksnest has changing rooms, picnic tables, grills and restrooms. It is the closest beach when driving from Cruz Bay.
Picnic areas are located on several of the beaches and offer tables and grills. They are wheelchair accessible.
Annaberg was once one of the larger sugar plantations on St. John. The remains of the windmill and horsemill, used to crush the sugar cane to extract its juice, still stand. Much of the sugar factory, where the juice was boiled and condensed to make raw sugar, remain as well, as does part of the rum still. Cultural demonstrations, including baking “dumb bread” and basket weaving take place Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parts of the Annaberg School, used to educate the children, are located not far from the sugar mill.Catherineburg, was another sugar plantation and factory is located on Centerline Road overlooking Cinnamon Bay. While part of the national park, it is not as developed as Annaberg. However, much of the windmill and the boiling house remain.
The Reef Bay Sugar Mill can only be reached by hiking. Ranger-led hikes on Mondays and Thursdays take visitors down a 3-mile path through tropical forests to the sugar mill. Reservations are required and there are fees for taxi transportationto the trailhead and boat return to the Visitor Center. See the Visitor Activities brochure for more details.
Who made this St. John a protected National Park?
The Virgin Islands National Park was made possible through the generosity of Laurence S. Rockefeller and members of his family. Mr. Rockefeller first discovered the beauty of St. John when he came here on a sailing vacation some fifty years ago.
Mr. Rockefeller’s visionary gesture spared St. John from over-development. Instead, St. John has remained an unspoiled jewel whose captivating beauty offers unending pleasure and enjoyment to everyone who comes here. Today, because of the Rockefeller's vision and generosity, nearly two-third's of St John is forever green and will be enjoyed for generations to come.
In 2001 the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument was established from 12,708 acres of federally owned submerged lands off the island of St. John. This area, administered by the National Park Service, protects coral reef and mangrove habitat crucial for the biological diversity of the entire Caribbean.
The Virgin Islands National Park encompasses underwater areas that teem with marine life, gorgeous white sand beaches and acres of lush green forests. The land and sea are not the only treasures in the park, there are also historical treasures including Pre-Columbian Amerindian settlements, Danish colonial sugar plantation ruins, forts and a marine railway.
Ever wonder what the resort Caneel Bay was like before Laurance Rockefeller bought it? Check out this article on the St John Historical Society site.
Caneel Bay St John before it became the fancy resort it is today
