OK, the petroglyphs are on a side trail down the Reef Bay Trail.

The Reef Bay Trail is very strenuous on the way back up (I'm in shape and it whips my a** the last 1/4 mile) so the best thing to do is call the National Park office and pay to go on a guided hike - it is all down hill with plenty of stops to discuss the trees etc and then they bring you back to Cruz Bay via boat - very nice.

Pia

thanks for that info...but I heard about another coastal trail that isn't as strenuous. Does anyone know anything about this trail?
How long does it take to get to the petroglyphs and the waterfall?

The waterfall won't be running unless there is loads and load of rain - so don't plan on it right now.

The only other way that might work (but I don't think so) would be from Reef Bay itself but you would have to go down a steep short (20 - 30 feet or so) "hike" holding onto the rope that has been put there to help, along the beach then a good climb and scramble over large and steep rocks, around to the other side of the beach then up to the petroglyphs - but I'm not even sure you can get all the way around anyway - I wouldn't want to try this way. I don't know of any other way except the Reef Bay Trail - that't the way all of us "locals" get to them 🙂

Pia

Pia: Could rob kamp be thinking of the Ram's Head hike? I was thinking maybe the "other trail" question wasn't associated with the petroglyph question. I haven't been to Ram's Head in some years but remember it as being a rather nice casual hike, gorgeous views and breeze, with the caveat that well-soled shoes are a must because the cactus thorns are pretty good at penetrating anything too thin!

Yes, sound slike he's combining two questions into one....

rob kamp, There's no easier way to the Petroglyphs. Your idea about a coastal hike is for a different trail, where there are not any Petroglyphs that we know of. Petroglyphs are on the Reef Bay trail....not other places. Pia has offered the best way to access them.....Ranger guided hike with boat trip at the end.

Bluwater...i'm talking about the Reef Bay Coastal Trail that is in the book "Off the Beaten Track". Sounds like a way to connect to Petroglyphs Trail but less challenging. I remember reading about the rope you have to hold on to. Please tell me whatever you know that might help. thanks.

Don't know if this helps or not, but here's a map.

Was there two weeks ago and went down the Reef Bay Trail with the park ranger. She really added alot and I highly recommend it. The falls were running then, but I was a little underwhelmed by the petroglyphs. After all I'd read I thought there would be more. Maybe it's just me and my imagination. Anyway, it was an easy hike down and the boat trip back is definitely the way to go.

WW

Hi Rob

I would not do the "other" hike to the petroglyphs (that was the way I was talking about) I was unsure if it connected or not but I guess it does as it is in the book, but I would not call it less strenuous after doing the "down the rope, down the beach, over boulder, through the water, around the rocks, up the trail shuffle" 🙂

Pia

Thge "other" method sounds like a "survivor" episode

Well...we lived to tell the tale. We took the Reef Bay Coastal trail today...and after an almost 5 mile (there and back) hike through beaches, reefs, rocks...more beaches and then the Sugar Mill...we found the trail that leads up to the Petroglyph trail. It was not easy by any stretch of the imagination but it was great. It took us close to 4 hours there and back. We stopped for a picnic lunch on the beach at Genti. The sugar mill looks a lot like Annaberg on the north shore. The petroglyphs were anti-climatic. There was no water in the waterfall, but I'm sure when there is it must be beautiful. All in all, It was worth the strenuous workout. We saw baby sharks in the lagoon near Genti...interesting plant life and the surfers at Parrot Bay. Also, the red rocks are beautiful.
If you have the time...definitely a great experience. Thanks to all who responded to my in initial post.

Cool. Others will want to try it your way, I'm sure. Is Genti a beach?

Genti Bay has a small sandy beach. It is at the foot of the Reef Bay Trail and it is where everyone jumps into the water to cool off after the long hike.
There is coral and rocks in the water so be careful not to put your feet down.

The guided tour sounds like the way to go for us. Can you book this ahead of time or wait until you are on island? Can you reserve it on line? Thanks in advance for any info you have---we would really like to do this one!

Dana

Book before you travel - they go on Tues, Thurs and Fri's - might change depending on "season" You need to call them in advance maybe 10 days or so (sometimes you can get in last min or you have to turn up and see if anyone is a no show) no on-line bookings

Pia