Hike to Hams Bluff Lighthouse

General info for all self-guided hikes: For your safety, do not hike alone, and proceed only if you are physically fit enough to complete a hike safely. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Trail conditions can vary dramatically from time to time. Depending on the hike, you should bring appropriate footwear, long pants for overgrown brush, water, food, sun-screen, sunglasses, a hat for the sun, insect repellant, rain poncho, first aid kit, and a camera. Do not leave any valuables in your car while hiking. Refer to a roadmap to help you with the driving directions. Unless otherwise noted, each hike requires you to go back the same way you came. Have fun, and be safe!

Specific info for this hike:

20 minutes one way. Moderate to steep terrain. The trail is mostly forest and shaded. At the top is a lighthouse with nice views of the ocean, and views of the coastal hills known as the Maroons. On clear days, you can see other islands to the north and west. The trail can be overgrown in sections, so long pants are recommended.

Driving directions:
- From Frederiksted, take Route 63 north. The road closely follows the shoreline for about 3 miles and then turns inland. When you can no longer see the ocean, look for the first narrow road on the left, marked by two pillars, and turn left onto that road (still Route 63, actually).
- Follow the road for about 1/2 a mile until it ends at the National Guard facility. Park outside the facility, on the side of the road. The road is usually in bad condition, so drive carefully.

Walk around the left side (ocean side) along the outside of the facility’s fence. When you get to the back of the facility, look for a gate in the fence (usually closed). At the gate, take the trail to the left, which leads up to the lighthouse.

Latest conditions reported for this hike:

March 26, 2016: The instructions were easy to follow and the trail was easy to follow. There were a couple spots where the power lines had been pulled down fairly low but were easily avoided. -- Stephen H.