To experience the real Dominica is to rub sweat from your brow, to have your favorite pair of hiking boots caked in mud, and to thoroughly understand how a cool breeze and a few drops of rain can make an impossible hike suddenly bearable.
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a hilly, lush terrain that attracts avid adventure hikers from all over the world. The Nature Island’s trails range in difficulty; however, each presents unique challenges. This helps explain why many Dominicans struggle to name their favorite hike.
Planning a visit to Dominica? Check out these amazing trails:
Boiling Lake Hike
This adventurous hike requires a three-hour trek up steep mountains and rugged paths. The reward for your effort is the breathtaking view of the bluish-gray waters of the second largest boiling lake in the world. The trail’s challenges arise from Dominica’s natural terrain, including steep climbs and river crossings. Moreover, Hurricane Maria has also altered the trail, making it even more of a test for adventurers.
The Boiling Lake trail begins at Titou Gorge. Hikers will traverse through the Valley of Desolation, which peaks at about 3,168 feet, with views that will only improve as nature recovers from past storms. Along the way, there are boiling streams colored black, gray, and yellow, highlighting the area’s high sulphur content.
Since the Boiling Lake Trail is advanced, having a guide is highly recommended due to unmarked portions. Renowned local guide Peter “The Bushman” Green, who has been leading hikes since 1992, offers invaluable insights into the wildlife and plants native to the area.
Emerald Falls
A short 0.75-mile walk from the visitor’s center at Morne Trois Pitons National Park leads to a grotto surrounded by rainforest. The highlight of this hike is the 40-foot waterfall that fills a serene green pond, inviting visitors to take a refreshing dip. This area is teeming with wildlife, so hikers should be cautious of their surroundings.
Hikers may access the Emerald Falls via Segment 5 of the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), although this section is still closed for recovery after the hurricane.
The WNT is the only long-distance trail in the Caribbean, stretching 115 miles divided into 14 segments, from the southern part of the island in Scotts Head to Cabrits National Park in the north.
The Waitukubuli National Trail – Segment 13 (Pennville to Capuchin)
Segment 13 of the WNT spans nearly four miles and offers diverse scenery, including wooded forests and grassy knolls. The estimated hiking time is around four hours, allowing hikers to enjoy the stunning vistas of northern Dominica, alongside the occasional farm and its friendly goats.
Clearly marked signs for the trail are infrequent, so hiring a guide could enhance your experience. Although there are steep climbs, several resting spots along the way present opportunities to bask in the breathtaking greenery.
Other popular trails in Dominica
Trafalgar Falls: This approximately 15-minute hike leads to Dominica’s renowned twin falls, “Mother” (right fall) and “Father” (left fall). The trail is narrow and rocky, featuring slick boulders, but reaching the falls is rewarding, especially if you take a dip in the swimming hole beneath Mother.
Note: Due to Hurricane Maria, the hot-water pools along the trail to the falls are currently inaccessible.
Middleham Falls Trail: This visually stunning hike leads to Dominica’s highest waterfall at 200 feet. The trail starts with a steep ascent but soon levels out into a lush rainforest. The round trip takes about three hours, and the path can become slippery as it approaches the waterfall, so be sure to bring a bathing suit to enjoy a chilly refreshment.
Recovery continues in Dominica. For information on efforts to rebuild and clear natural attractions, consider checking their voluntourism program.
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Alicia Johnson journeyed to Dominica for insight into its hiking culture and natural beauty. iBestTravel contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for coverage.
