The best hiking trails in Dominica

Tural Musayev 09 December 2021 2540 views 7 min. read

When you decide to travel to Dominica, firstly you should get the general information. Here, Pickvisa will guide you in this journey if you have already got your Dominica visa. Dominica is a Lesser Antilles island republic in the eastern Caribbean Sea. To the north, it is bordered by the French islands of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante, and to the south, it is bordered by Martinique. Since its independence in 1978, the country has been a member of the Commonwealth. The island is 47 kilometres long and wide at its widest point, 26 km. Roseau is the country's capital and main port. Dominica's outstanding natural beauty, particularly its stunning mountainous terrain, has wowed generations of nature enthusiasts and given a chance for hiking in Dominica. The island was formed by volcanic activity. Dominica features several active volcanoes. However, eruptions are uncommon. Fumaroles (volcanic vents) and hot springs are other evidence of geothermal activity. The boiling lake is 700 meters above sea level in the south, and the pressure of releasing gases causes its waters to rise 1 meter beyond normal. Alluvial and volcanic soils abound on the island. There are many rivers, all of which are impassable. Mount Diablotins 1,447 meters and Mount Trois Pitons 1,447 meters are the highest points of a range of high forest-clad mountains that runs north to south, broken in the middle by a plain drained by the Layou River and where is commonplace for hiking tours in Dominica. Dominica has a lovely climate, especially from December to March when the weather is colder. Winter temperatures aren't much cooler, with average highs ranging from 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 30 degrees Celsius). The dry season lasts from February to May, while the rainy season lasts from June to October, which is when storms are most likely to strike (tropical cyclones). Rainfall varies, with the hilly interior receiving the most. The average annual rainfall along the coast ranges from 60 inches (1,500 mm) to 145 inches (3,700 mm), although average rainfall in the highlands can exceed 250 inches (6,350 mm).

Fun activities in Dominica hiking

dominica waterfallHow to find hiking trails

? You are in the right place! Pickvisa provides you with many spots to get all your questions regarding the best hiking trails near me. Dominica's rocky, vertiginous environment was created by volcanoes, and nine of them continuously erupt, creating mud pots and the famed Boiling lake. Hiking in Dominica, climbing and bird-watching on steep trails through the tropical rainforest, or taking on the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail, the Caribbean's first long-distance path. Imagine a Caribbean island with world-class hiking routes and adventure opportunities. Isn't it too good to be true? After all, isn't the Caribbean known for its beaches? Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers can explore vast swaths of pristine tropical rainforest, discover majestic waterfalls, climb mountains, hike through an active volcanic caldera to a Boiling lake, rappel through deep river gorges, and even trek a 200-kilometre national trail on the nature island of Dominica. All of this on a single Caribbean island? Isn't it incredible?

The Boiling lake Trail

boiling lake

We are at a crucial point, here is the first answer to your question about how to find hiking trails. The Boiling lake Trail is Dominica's most famous walk and Dominica hiking place. It's a full-day adventure that includes a rainforest, a mountain summit, an active volcano crater, and warm-water rivers and cascades. The fun activities in Dominica hiking begin at Titou Gorge (where you may see a waterfall and go canyoning) and continue into Dominica's densely forested interior. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense cluster of volcanoes and range of natural ecosystems and attractions, includes this stunning and lonely wilderness. In hiking tours in Dominica, Hikers must navigate the stunning Valley of Desolation after ascending and descending Morne Nicholls — a volcanic environment of steaming fumaroles, hot boiling mud, and warm water rivers. Dominica is all about getting up close and personal with nature, and what could be more fascinating than climbing through an active volcano?

The Waitukubuli National Trail

waitukubuli trail

We came a long way from the question of where is Dominica. Now, we are here at another Dominica hiking place - The Waitukubuli National Trail. The Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) in Dominica is one of a kind. There is a 200-kilometre hiking trail on a single Caribbean island, and maybe it is the finding for your search about the best hiking trails near me? I mean, how awesome is that? Don't worry, and you won't have to walk the entire 200 kilometres all at once! The trail is divided into 14 segments, each of which can be hiked alone. Forest, mountain, river, seaside, farming, and settlement are some segments with distinct characteristics. Many of them follow historic routes and are deeply rooted in Dominica's cultural heritage. Here is a sampling of the more well-known – and occasionally infamous – segments: WNT Segment 1: Morne Crabier Trail - a challenging start with a steep ascent to the top of Morne Crabier, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Cachacrou isthmus, Soufriere Bay fishing communities, and the marine reserve. You can even see Martinique, a French island. WNT Segment 2: The Mountain Village Trail — an agricultural and village trail that borders the top of Morne Anglais and includes Giraudel, the hot volcanic baths of Wotten Waven. WNT Segment 6: The Kalinago Heritage Trail — a full-day journey through the Kalinago Territory's villages and heritage monuments. This trail is informative and scenic, as it is home to descendants of the Caribbean's first people. Hikers can learn how to build canoes, make cassava bread, weave baskets, and much more. The climb also takes you through the Kalinago Barana Aute, a model hamlet made up of thatched 'karbet' and 'ajoupa' structures. Hikers who climb Horseback Ridge will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Territory and the rough Atlantic coast. WNT Segment 8: The Cross-Island Trail – A journey across the island from east to west, going through primary rainforest, crossing raging rivers, and climbing up and down a steep peak is the National Trail's most notoriously tough segment. Look for parrots, agoutis, and possibly even wild pigs. It is without a doubt Dominica's most remote and unspoiled environment, and it's a challenging but extremely rewarding trip for daring hikers.

The Titou Gorge Canyoning Trail

titou gorge

If you decide to travel to Dominica, try The Titou Gorge Canyoning Trail. How about combining hiking and canyoning for a thrilling adventure? It is exactly what the Titou Gorge Canyoning Trail allows you to do. A rappel down the side of a waterfall into the river valley sets the tone for the adventure. From there, you may follow the river's path as it bends and turns down the mountainside. The canyon walls on both sides are stunning, with thousands of years of water sculpting them into smooth shapes. The roots of trees and long liana vines hang down from the gorge's rim. It's a fantastic feeling to be entirely hidden beneath the forest floor. The trail passes by several more waterfalls, all of which must be traversed by rappelling. Other times, you'll come upon cascades and deep, gin-clear pools into which you can jump and swim. Cathedral Canyon, one of Dominica's most spectacular natural areas, is where the river trail terminates. The canyon and accompanying climb out of the river bring the journey to a close. There are various river gorge paths on Dominica, each with a different level of difficulty. No prior canyoning or rappelling experience? It's no problem. Before you go canyoning, your skilled canyoning guides will provide you with all the necessary training and equipment. Advanced routes lead to the majestic Trafalgar Falls, a must-see for anyone who knows what they're doing. Stand atop these waterfalls and take in a view that only a few people have ever seen.

The Jacko Steps Trail

Dominica was a French and subsequently a British colony in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and both transported enslaved people from Africa to work on their sugar and coffee plantations. Some of the captives managed to flee into Dominica's highly forested interior mountains. Many of these people, known as Maroons, had underground encampments governed by enigmatic chiefs, the most renowned of whom were known as Jacko. Jacko's camp was located on a high plateau in Dominica's heartland, surrounded by cliffs and dense jungle. The Maroons built a long flight of stone steps on one of the cliff faces to connect their camp to the Layou River. After a fierce battle, the British militia uncovered the camp and overran the maroons, killing many of them, including Jacko. The Jacko Steps and the camp's location, now known as Jacko Flats, are part of this important heritage trail, including a stroll along the Layou River, where there is a hidden waterfall in a conical canyon. Isn't that fantastic? It is, in fact, the case. Jacko Steps is a world-class forest, ridge, and river hike that winds in a loop from Bells village to the trailhead. It's a highly symbolic route that piques our interest and reminds us of people who, no matter the risk, placed their personal and collective freedom first.

The Morne Anglais Mountain Trail

Morne Diablotin is Dominica's highest peak and an incredible mountain climb, but Morne Anglais (the fifth highest) is a personal favourite - partly because it's one of the easier mountain walks, but also because it guarantees spectacular vistas. It's a difficult journey up the mountain from Giraudel's flower town through the rainforest and montane vegetation. You find yourself looking down on soaring raptors and squawking jaco parrots as you follow a very narrow ridge with dangerous slopes on either side. Hikers are rewarded with views of Dominica's east, south, and west coasts from the summit. You may even see the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique on a really clear day. Volcanoes can also be seen, including the southern volcanoes of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park and Morne Diablotin in the far north.

How many people died hiking to Boiling lake Dominica?

boiling lake

The name is self-explanatory; the hazards are obvious. On the other hand, some people may fail to consider the risks and succumb to the seduction of the steam. The heat from a magma chamber beneath the lake is thought to be causing the boiling. The water can reach a temperature of 194 degrees Fahrenheit. The only way to get there is on foot, and the journey is quite difficult. Exactly, how many people died hiking to Boiling lake Dominica? 22 people have died in the park's thermal pools and geysers since 1870, the first recorded fatality. After a long passage, we came to an end. If you got your Dominica visa and searched about more - Pickvisa was here to help you in both! We hope you have found this article useful. Enjoy your travels! See you on the next journey! 

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