Smuggler’s Cove, My Post-Run Cool Down Spot in St. Croix
Roads in St. Croix aren’t exactly ideal for running and jogging.
(Though improving, many remain not-so-great for driving either, what with their prodigious pot holes. That’s a story for another day, though.)
There are no bike lanes or jogging paths. You won’t even find much of a shoulder along many thoroughfares either, forcing runners to jump into the bush to avoid oncoming cars.
(The Christiansted Bypass is a notable exception to this.)
To avoid all this and enjoy a carefree running experience, I tend to head east. As far east as you can go in all of the United States, in fact. Location…
St. Croix East End Marine Park.
From just inside the turnoff from East End Road to Point Udall, it’s just over two miles. The route stretches along the shore, alternating between hills and flat ground before ascending steeply to the famous point. The way back is a little easier with the wind at your back. At the end of the tidy four+ miles lies the sweet stretch of sand pictured above.
Smuggler’s Cove
Smuggler’s Cove offers seclusion, decent snorkeling, and plenty of shade amidst a mix of tropical trees. Some of those trees are of genip variety, offering a nice snack reward for your run, assuming you’re here in the mid-summer months.
The best thing about Smuggler’s Cove for runners, though, is that water. Cool and smooth, it’s the perfect elixir after a hard run in the hot sun.