Coastal Hikes in st Lucia
st Lucia’s Eastern (Atlantic) Coast is beautifully rugged and
dramatic. Unfortunately, the larger part of the former Atlantic Nature trail has been turned into a development site ("le Paradis"), which has destroyed much of the flora and fauna, including the Fregate island bird sanctuary and the seamoss farming at Praslin. The new development covers over 300 acres and includes a golf course, luxury yacht marina, and beachfront condominiums.
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These trails and nature reserves are still in existance:
Maria Islands, Vieux Fort, st Lucia
Mankote Mangrove, Vieux Fort, st Lucia
Savannes Bay Reserve, Vieux Fort, st Lucia
Vierge Point Trail, Micoud, st Lucia
Pointe Lamarre Trail, Micoud, st Lucia
Mandele Point Trail, Dennery, st Lucia
For more information on coastal trails in St. lucia, contact: The st Lucia National Trust,
Tel: 1 (758) 452-5005, www.slunatrust.org/tours.htm |
Rainforest Trails
Most of st. lucia’s mountainous interior is covered by 19,000
acres of Rainforest Reserve. You must go with a guide to access
the forest reserve. For more information contact the Forestry Department
at www.slumaffe.org
Tel: (758) 450 2231/2078, or a st. lucia tour company.
Piton Flore (Forestierre Tropical Forest Trail) moderate to strenuous
This trail is only thirty (30) minutes drive from the city, Castries.
It is part of the Old French Road, which traverses through mature
pristine rainforest, abundant with large, spectacular fig trees,
epiphytes, and ferns, from Forestierre to La Resource, Dennery.
The trail extends 1871 ft up to summit of Piton Flore. Tel: 1 (758)
452-5092
Descartiers Rainforest (Strenuous)
Experience St Lucia’s most hidden rainforest. Drive six miles
inland from the east coast main highway through a secondary road
to access this 2-kilometer trail. |
Union Nature
Trail (non-strenuous)
An ideal hike for visitors looking to experience some of the enchanting
wildlife and flora of st. lucia without enduring a long hike or
drive. The site near the Forestry headquarters in Castries and offers
an interpretation centre, medicinal herb garden and mini-zoo with
indigenous and exoic animals such as the agouti, iguana, boa, and
st. lucian parrot.
Tel: 1 (758) 450-2078
Saltibus Waterfall and Trail (moderate)
Located just 20 minutes from Balenbouche Estate, this scenic 1 ½
hour rainforest trail leads to several cascading waterfalls along
the River Doree, where you can enjoy a refreshing bath in one of
the natural pools. Tours can be booked through Balenbouche Estate
(Tel: 1 (758) 455-1244. |
Edmund Forest
Reserve (Strenuous)
This 3½-hour hike will take you through the heart of the
island into Edmund Forest Reserve on the western side of the island.
Continue westward for a magnificent view of Mt Gimie, st Lucia’s
highest peak.
Enbas Saut (moderate to Strenuous)
The Enbas Saut Falls trail is a remote 4km cut trail six miles East
of Soufriere at the foot of Mount Gimie, offering a combination
of Rainforest, Cloud Forest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. The trail
is famous for its two cascading waterfalls and pools at the head
of the Troumasse River.
Barre De L’isle Trail (moderate to
strenuous)
The Barre de L’isle Forest Reserve divides the eastern and
western halves of st Lucia. It takes approximately one hour to walk
this one-mile trail and another hour to climb Mr. La Combe ridge.
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Higher Heights
Gros Piton (2,619 ft. / 800 m)
The Gros Piton trail is a st. lucia heritage site, managed by the
Gros Piton Tour Guide Association. The hike begins at the Interpretation
Centre situated in the small community of Fond Gens Libre at the
base of the Gros Piton. The climb to the top and back takes about
5 hours and is a moderate climb up to about half way, after that
the path gets steeper and more strenuous. At the top, there are
two unforgettable views, one overlooking Petit Piton, and one overlooking
the South of st Lucia.
grospitontours@candw.lc
Tel: 1 (758) 459-9748 or 459-9748 or 489-0136
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Petit Piton
(2460 ft. / 750 m)
The climb to the top of the Petit Piton also takes about 2 1/2 hours
up and 1 ½ hours down, but is steep all the way. In two or
three areas, you have to use a rope to haul yourself up. The view
overlooks Soufriere and the Gros Piton. The tours are not as organized
as those for the Gros Piton, but there are tour guides available
at the Pitons Waterfall and it is recommended that you go with someone
who knows the way.
Mount Gimie (3,117 ft)
The highest point on st Lucia. One of the best views of this peak
is experienced on emerging from the rain forest. Guided tours are
conducted up the mountain by the Forestry Department and private,
certified tour guides.
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Rivers (Balenbouche)
River Doree
Hike upstream one of the largest rivers in St. lucia to the legendary
"Devil's Bridge," discover historic ruins and indigenous
plant and wildlife along the way.
Balenbouche River
Walk along the water canal which once powered the old sugar mill,
to the impressive 18th century water dam, and discover mysterious
pre-historic stone carvings on the banks of the Balenbouche river.
Piaye River (Soa)
Enjoy a real st lucian “river bath” in the Piaye “soa”,
a natural pool and small waterfall just 15 minutes away.
Piaye River (Gertrine)
Starting from the small community of Gertrine, situated on a narrow
mountain ridge, climb down into the Piaye River valley to find multiple
pools and intriguing rock formations. A very mystic place.
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Maria Islands Nature Reserve, Vieux
Fort, st Lucia
These two small islands are located just off of the Anse des Sables Beach
in Vieux Fort. The larger island is home to Zandoli, st Lucia’s
colorful indigenous lizard, as well as the small, harmless couresse snake.
In addition to these rare endemic species, the islands hosts a number
of lizards and birds. The Maria Islands are a nature reserve, and due
to its ecological sensitivity, people are not allowed onto the island.
However, the st Lucia National Trust, who manages the nature reserve,
offers a limited number of tours. Tel: (758) 454-5014, www.slunatrust.org/tours.htm
Soufriere Volcano (Sulphur Springs), Soufriere, st Lucia
This unique st lucia site is known as the worlds’ only drive-in
volcano. The bubbling and steaming area, which is called a caldera, was
formed when the volcanic rim collapsed upon itself and opened up fissures
in the crust. A tour of the sulphur springs offers a direct and fascinating
lesson in the geology of the Caribbean. If you have some time and don’t
mind the smell, you should take a hot, muddy bath in one of the cooler
pools. It feels great, costs nothing, and is very healthy. However, be
prepared to deal with grey skin and muddy bathing suits, and a smell of
rotten eggs. There are no showers, so you may want to head straight for
the beach or back to your hotel room afterwards. Also, remove silver jewelry
because it oxidizes in the sulphur water.
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