Trails & Hiking · St. John
Francis Bay Trail
An easy birding trail from the Francis Bay Sugar Factory around a salt pond, with an accessible lower boardwalk and viewing platforms.
Trail details
- Distance
- 0.5 mile from the factory parking area to the accessible-ramp entrance; full route distance varies
- Estimated time
- 30-90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy overall, with a steeper factory-side approach
- Route type
- Salt-pond route with boardwalk section
- Terrain
- Accessible lower boardwalk; remaining trail is uneven and rocky with slight hills
- Shade / exposure
- Dry tropical forest, mangroves, and open salt-pond views
- Accessibility
- The lower boardwalk and salt-pond viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible; the rest is uneven and rocky
Highlights
- Francis Bay Sugar Factory
- Mary's Point Estate house
- Salt pond
- Birding
- Mangrove boardwalk and viewing platforms
Plan the route
- Access
- At the west end of NPS North Shore Road; use the beach-end parking for the easier accessible approach.
- Parking
- Factory-side and beach-end approaches differ; the beach end avoids the steep factory-side climb
- Pets
- Pets are allowed with restrictions
Important hazards
- Steep climb between the factory parking area and the beach section
- Uneven, rocky surfaces beyond the boardwalk
Conditions and access can change. Check current notices before setting out.
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