KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL HIKING TRIP
Virgin Islands National Park Hiking & Eco Adventure
January 19-26, 2025
Join KTA for another grand adventure. Experience American paradise as we traverse the many trails in Virgin Islands National Park — a U.S. national park spanning two thirds of the island of St. John. Explore stunning beaches, exceptional vistas, historic ruins, diverse terrain, and unique ecosystems. Swim or snorkel through sapphire waters and across the coral reefs fringing this natural wonderland. The hikes are shorter than in some destinations but offer ample challenge and much reward.
From Harrisburg, we fly to St. Thomas and cruise by ferry to St. John. From the town of Cruz Bay, we travel by jeep and safari truck to our lodging for the week at Concordia Eco Resort, founded by Stanley Selengut, a pioneer in sustainable tourism. The same vehicles serve as our daily shuttle to trailheads and other destinations.
From Harrisburg, we fly to St. Thomas and cruise by ferry to St. John. From the town of Cruz Bay, we travel by jeep and safari truck to our lodging for the week at Concordia Eco Resort, founded by Stanley Selengut, a pioneer in sustainable tourism. The same vehicles serve as our daily shuttle to trailheads and other destinations.
Over the eight days, participants will savor six memorable hikes, sample famous beaches, investigate relics of the island’s past, explore the town of Cruz Bay, enjoy island cuisine, learn from interesting speakers, and relish a little free time to absorb the marvels of this International Biosphere Reserve.
Participants must be competent hikers in good physical condition. The hiking ranges from easy to moderate difficulty and varies between routes that are relatively flat and under a mile to longer treks of up to six miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Participants must be competent hikers in good physical condition. The hiking ranges from easy to moderate difficulty and varies between routes that are relatively flat and under a mile to longer treks of up to six miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.
The trip organizer and guide is Brook Lenker, KTA Executive Director, who has explored Virgin Islands National Park on four previous visits. Brook is an avid hiker, sailor, paddler, scuba diver, writer, and conservationist. He holds Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Leave No Trace certifications and has led and co-led group trips domestically and abroad. Brook is ably assisted by Haley Feaster, KTA’s Manager of Communications and Development who has extensive international travel experience, PADI scuba certified and Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefitting Keystone Trails Association. You are not required to be a KTA member to register.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefitting Keystone Trails Association. You are not required to be a KTA member to register.
How to Apply
This trip is limited to 12 participants who will be preliminarily selected by a lottery. The trip is double occupancy only. To submit your name for the initial drawing, please complete the interest form below.
On August 21st, we will randomly select 12 forms from the interest submissions. Your roommate (if listed) is automatically included if you are selected. Selected single applicants without a roommate will be matched with another selected single applicant of the same gender, assuming one is available. If not, your spot will be forfeited, and another form drawn.
The people drawn will be asked to submit full applications and deposits (by check only) by Wednesday, September 18. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list.
Failure to submit applications and/or deposits by the deadline, or a review of an application that finds that a person lacks hiking experience or may be a poor fit for the trip will forfeit that individual’s spot. Any deposit made will be refunded and a substitute name will be drawn from the waiting list.
This trip is limited to 12 participants who will be preliminarily selected by a lottery. The trip is double occupancy only. To submit your name for the initial drawing, please complete the interest form below.
On August 21st, we will randomly select 12 forms from the interest submissions. Your roommate (if listed) is automatically included if you are selected. Selected single applicants without a roommate will be matched with another selected single applicant of the same gender, assuming one is available. If not, your spot will be forfeited, and another form drawn.
The people drawn will be asked to submit full applications and deposits (by check only) by Wednesday, September 18. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list.
Failure to submit applications and/or deposits by the deadline, or a review of an application that finds that a person lacks hiking experience or may be a poor fit for the trip will forfeit that individual’s spot. Any deposit made will be refunded and a substitute name will be drawn from the waiting list.
Cost: $3549 per person double occupancy only.
Cost includes:
Cost includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Harrisburg to St. Thomas USVI on American Airlines with a layover/flight change each way in Charlotte, NC. Group seating is assigned by the airline.
- Accommodation for all seven nights in private Eco Cabanas with a tree house feel and an ocean view balcony. The cabanas have mini-fridges, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms with composting toilets and solar heated showers using filtered rainwater
- Farewell dinner on January 25th at Concordia. Note: Cabanas have kitchen amenities so meals can be prepared on your own or visit the on-site restaurant. Transport (included) will be offered on certain nights to an off-site restaurant (meal on own). Grocery store stops will be included for provisioning
- Guide services by KTA
- All transport – taxis to and from the ferry terminal on St. Thomas, ferries between St Thomas and St. John, daily transport by jeep and safari truck on St. John.
- One year membership in Keystone Trails Association.
- Luggage fees for flights
- Travel insurance / trip cancellation insurance.
- Personal gear (gear list will be sent to you after you register).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Parking at Harrisburg International Airport
