Water Catchments Trail

Highlights

• Connects Centerline Road with North Shore Road via forested slopes

• Intersects the Caneel Hill Trail for extended loops

• Passes old stone water catchments built by planters to collect rain

• Quiet alternative to the busier Lind Point and Caneel Hill routes
  

Trail statistics

Description

Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the Water Catchments Trail climbs from North Shore Road to a series of concrete water collection structures and then continues toward the Caneel Hill Trail. It is about 0.8 mile long and moderately steep. Along the way you’ll pass three large catchments, each designed to funnel rainwater into cisterns for livestock and park use. The masonry work is impressive, with stone retaining walls and concrete ramps still intact. The trail receives little traffic, so wildlife sightings—hermits crabs, anoles, maybe even deer—are possible. At the upper end the path intersects the Caneel Hill Trail; from here you can climb to the overlook or descend to Cruz Bay. Because the trail is shaded and seldom busy, it makes a quieter alternative for those who have already hiked the Lind Point network. Bring insect repellent and water, and watch for slippery spots after rain. There are no facilities at the catchments, so respect the structures and leave them undisturbed.