BROWN BAY TRAIL Claimed

The Brown Bay Trail is located about 1 mile past Coral Bay on Rt. 10 with an entrance on the left side of the road with ample parking.  This Trail is well maintained with lots of ups and downs to get your heart pumping although not too steep and connects to the Johnny Horn Trail.  Some of the trail can be rocky, as well you will walk along ridgelines, so be careful.  One of the nicest things about this hike is you start out with views of the South Shore, and end up with views of the North Shore.  Approximately .8 miles, the Brown Bay Beach has lots of rocks and sometimes has quite a bit of sargassum seaweed taking over the beach.  On the trail near the beach is Hermit Crab heaven.  Sometimes there can be dozens on the trail, so please be careful and feel free to move them out of the way. They are quite captivating with all the different type of shells they inhabit.

Brown Bay beach is also a turtle nesting area, as well as you may see some Pelicans and Brown Boobies flying around.  Some folks are adventurous enough to snorkel in the Bay.  Definitely an off-the-beaten path snorkeling location with grass beds and lots of sea life to encounter, but sometimes murky.  After you pass the beach, you will be heading straight up toward the Johnny Horn Trail (.8 miles) with lots of cacti and wildflowers, forest birds such as Gray Kingbirds are often seen in the brush.

If you are looking for a longer hike, take the Johnny Horn Trail (.5 miles) to experience the Windy Hill ruins (Murphy Great House) with stunning unforgettable views of Waterlemon Cay, Anna Point, and the British Virgin Islands.  Bring plenty of water because some parts of the trail are very sunny.  Pack in a lunch and enjoy the picnic table at the ruins. And as you take in the views, you realize if it wasn’t on your bucket it, it should of been.

TIME:  1 Hour

LENGTH:  .8 miles to Brown Bay Beach

TIME:  2 Hours

LENGTH:  1.6 miles to Johnny Horn Trail

TIME: 2.5 Hours

LENGTH:  additional .5 miles to the Windy Hill Ruins (Murphy Great House)