The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands has installed new wooden steps along eroded trail sections at The Baths National Park to improve visitor safety, particularly in light of stronger storms in recent years, the agency announced.
“The Baths is one of the Virgin Islands’ most treasured natural sites, and visitor safety is always our top priority,” said Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal, director of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands. “With storms growing stronger each year and natural erosion affecting parts of the trail, we must act to ensure that everyone — residents and visitors alike — can explore this unique landscape safely.”
The steps target areas where natural erosion made footing hazardous. Officials said the improvements aim to maintain reliable, safer access without compromising the site’s natural character.
The Trust said the trail shoring is part of a broader maintenance program that will extend beyond The Baths National Park to other national parks across the Virgin Islands on a phased basis.
Erosion and storm damage have affected multiple trails on Virgin Gorda in recent seasons, prompting the Trust to assess sections requiring reinforcement or reconstruction. The newly installed woodwork is part of an ongoing plan the Trust intends to expand as needed.
Park officials also reminded visitors to walk cautiously, avoid damaging vegetation and report any unsafe trail conditions. They emphasized that preserving The Baths depends on both structural improvements and responsible visitor behavior.
