Francis Bay Trail

Highlights

• Accessible boardwalk through mangrove wetlands and a brackish pond

• Opportunities for bird‑watching – herons, egrets and warblers

• Passes the historic Francis Bay Estate House

• Leads directly to Francis Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling
  

Trail statistics

Description

The Francis Bay Trail loops through diverse coastal habitats at the quiet end of the North Shore. Starting from a small parking area off North Shore Road, a wooden boardwalk crosses a mangrove wetland rich with birdlife. Red mangroves line the lagoon, their prop roots sheltering juvenile fish and crabs. The boardwalk is wheelchair‑accessible, and interpretive panels explain the ecology of mangroves and the threats posed by hurricanes. Beyond the wetland the path enters dry forest where kapok trees, genip and seagrapes offer dappled shade. Here you may spot bananaquits, thrashers and warblers flitting among the branches. The trail then skirts the edge of the bay, passing ruins of a Danish shoreline building before ending at the sandy arc of Francis Bay Beach. This beach is one of the quietest on St. John and offers excellent snorkeling along the rocky eastern point. With a length of about 0.7 mile and essentially no elevation change, the Francis Bay Trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a perfect morning walk when the birds are most active; bring binoculars and insect repellent to enhance your experience.