Reef Bay Trail petroglyphs, Ancient petroglyphs near Reef Bay Trail, St. John, United States Virgin Islands
Reef Bay Trail petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings located above a reflection pool within Virgin Islands National Park, situated along a forested trail that descends through the landscape. The designs feature multiple symbols carved into the stone, representing artistic traditions from centuries past.
These rock carvings were created between 600 and 1500 AD, showing that the region was inhabited long before European arrival. The petroglyphs are part of a broader artistic tradition that spread across the Caribbean islands.
The carved symbols connect to Taino society, with designs showing natural and spiritual elements that were common across Caribbean indigenous communities. Visitors today can see how these motifs told stories and reflected the beliefs of the people who created them.
Visitors reach the site via the Reef Bay Trail, which starts from Centerline Road and winds through dense forest. Because this archaeological site has federal protection, the specific location details are kept limited to help prevent damage.
A petroglyph discovered in 2011 displays artistic features similar to early Saladoid pottery, suggesting that different cultural groups may have used this location over an extended period. This finding expanded understanding of the site's archaeological importance.
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