St. John’s National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. While many visitors flock to the park’s most popular trails, there are several hidden gems that remain off the beaten path, catering specifically to thrill-seekers who crave an unconventional hiking experience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into five such lesser-known hikes that will challenge your limits and ignite a sense of awe within you.

The Forgotten Trail: A 10-Mile Odyssey

The Forgotten Trail is a long-abandoned route that winds its way through the park’s densest forests. At approximately 10 miles in length, this hike requires dedication and physical stamina. However, the payoff is well worth it – the trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of ancient rock formations.

To begin your journey on the Forgotten Trail, start at the park’s southern boundary. Follow the dirt path as it snakes its way through the forest, gradually ascending in elevation. As you climb higher, the trees will grow taller and more dense, casting deep shadows across the trail. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife – this area is known to be home to a variety of species, including deer and turkey.

About halfway along the trail, you’ll come across a series of rock formations that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy these vistas – it’s worth noting that cell service can be spotty in this area, so be sure to capture any memorable moments with a camera or other recording device.

As you continue on the Forgotten Trail, you’ll encounter several steep inclines and declines, which may require some scrambling over rocks and roots. Be careful not to slip and fall – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain.

The Overlooked Gorge: A 5-Mile Trek

The Overlooked Gorge is a lesser-known gem within St. John’s National Park. This 5-mile hike begins at the park’s northern boundary and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of steep cliffs.

To start your journey on the Overlooked Gorge, begin at the park’s northern boundary. Follow the dirt path as it winds its way down into the gorge, gradually descending in elevation. As you make your way deeper into the gorge, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wildlife – this area is known to be home to a variety of species, including deer and turkey.

About halfway along the trail, you’ll come across a series of rock formations that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy these vistas – it’s worth noting that cell service can be spotty in this area, so be sure to capture any memorable moments with a camera or other recording device.

As you continue on the Overlooked Gorge, you’ll encounter several steep inclines and declines, which may require some scrambling over rocks and roots. Be careful not to slip and fall – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain.

The Hidden Waterfall: A 3-Mile Trek

The Hidden Waterfall is a lesser-known gem within St. John’s National Park. This 3-mile hike begins at the park’s southern boundary and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of steep cliffs.
To start your journey on the Hidden Waterfall, begin at the park’s southern boundary. Follow the dirt path as it winds its way up into the hills, gradually ascending in elevation. As you make your way higher, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wildlife – this area is known to be home to a variety of species, including deer and turkey.

About halfway along the trail, you’ll come across a series of rock formations that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy these vistas – it’s worth noting that cell service can be spotty in this area, so be sure to capture any memorable moments with a camera or other recording device.
As you continue on the Hidden Waterfall, you’ll encounter several steep inclines and declines, which may require some scrambling over rocks and roots. Be careful not to slip and fall – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain.

The Abandoned Mine: A 2-Mile Trek

The Abandoned Mine is a lesser-known gem within St. John’s National Park. This 2-mile hike begins at the park’s northern boundary and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of steep cliffs.
To start your journey on the Abandoned Mine, begin at the park’s northern boundary. Follow the dirt path as it winds its way down into the mine, gradually descending in elevation. As you make your way deeper into the mine, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wildlife – this area is known to be home to a variety of species, including deer and turkey.

About halfway along the trail, you’ll come across a series of rock formations that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy these vistas – it’s worth noting that cell service can be spotty in this area, so be sure to capture any memorable moments with a camera or other recording device.
As you continue on the Abandoned Mine, you’ll encounter several steep inclines and declines, which may require some scrambling over rocks and roots. Be careful not to slip and fall – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain.

The Overlooked Plateau: A 1-Mile Trek

The Overlooked Plateau is a lesser-known gem within St. John’s National Park. This 1-mile hike begins at the park’s southern boundary and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of steep cliffs.
To start your journey on the Overlooked Plateau, begin at the park’s southern boundary. Follow the dirt path as it winds its way up onto the plateau, gradually ascending in elevation. As you make your way higher, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wildlife – this area is known to be home to a variety of species, including deer and turkey.

About halfway along the trail, you’ll come across a series of rock formations that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time to enjoy these vistas – it’s worth noting that cell service can be spotty in this area, so be sure to capture any memorable moments with a camera or other recording device.
As you continue on the Overlooked Plateau, you’ll encounter several steep inclines and declines, which may require some scrambling over rocks and roots. Be careful not to slip and fall – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain.

Conclusion

St. John’s National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. While many visitors flock to the park’s most popular trails, there are several hidden gems that remain off the beaten path, catering specifically to thrill-seekers who crave an unconventional hiking experience.

In this blog post, we’ve explored five lesser-known hikes within St. John’s National Park – the Forgotten Trail, the Overlooked Gorge, the Hidden Waterfall, the Abandoned Mine, and the Overlooked Plateau. Each of these trails offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from atop a series of steep cliffs, as well as challenging terrain that requires physical stamina.

Before embarking on any of these hikes, be sure to prepare accordingly – bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and consider bringing a map or GPS device to help guide you along the way. Additionally, always err on the side of caution when hiking in challenging terrain, and never venture into areas that are closed off due to safety concerns.

By exploring these lesser-known gems within St. John’s National Park, you’ll be rewarded with an unconventional hiking experience that will challenge your limits and ignite a sense of awe within you. So pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!