Tektite Trail
Beginning off Lameshur Road, this rocky trail ascends to Cabritte Horn via a narrow ridgeline. Barrel cacti, wild orchids and seabirds accompany hikers, and a spur leads down to the shoreline - reminders of the 1960s underwater Tektite Project.
Highlights
Narrow, rocky ascent through dry coastal forest
Wild orchids, barrel cacti and occasional seabird sightings
Spur to Cabritte Horn Point with dramatic views of St. Croix
Remnants of the 1969 Tektite underwater habitat project near Beehive Cove
Trail statistics
Distance | 0.7 miles one way |
Elevation change | ~161 ft gain |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Trail type | Out and Back with spur |
Estimated time | 20–60 minutes |
Parking | Turnout near Great Lameshur Bay on Lameshur Road |
Description
Beginning along the Lameshur Road, the Tektite Trail climbs a narrow, rocky ridge toward Cabritte Horn. The main trail is roughly 0.7 mile long. Early on, it gains about 161 feet in elevation, passing through dry forest where barrel cacti, prickly pear and wild orchids grow. Seabirds soar overhead and the blue Caribbean stretches to the horizon. A spur leads down to Great Lameshur Bay and another climbs to Cabritte Horn Point, a rocky promontory with spectacular views of the island’s southeast coast. The ridgeline undulates across three small hills before the trail ends at a knoll overlooking Beehive Cove and a quartz cave. The Tektite area is named for the 1969–70 “Tektite Project,” during which aquanauts lived in an underwater habitat offshore; although no traces remain on land, the story adds historical interest to the hike. Because the terrain is sun‑baked and stony, hikers should wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water. The trail is not officially maintained by the National Park Service but is well worn, and it offers a wild, off‑the‑beaten‑path experience.
Distance & Difficulty
0.7 mi
Moderate
Trail Map & Gallery
