St. Vincent is the ideal place for a hiking holiday because there are numerous mountains and trails, from the popular to the relatively unknown. Several of the trail heads are within striking distance of the capital, Kingstown. The trails range in difficulty from a pleasant walk to challenging, with options for both seasoned hikers and the less intrepid.
To gain some much-needed information on the best places to hike in SVG, as well as some practical knowledge, we spoke to one of the island’s top guides, Paul Cyrus. He says that the best time of year to hike is during the cooler months of December, January, February and March. Hikers should wear comfortable clothing and hiking footwear, apply mosquito repellent and sunblock, bring plenty of water, and find out exactly what the hike entails before starting out. Paul says many people overestimate their level of fitness and don’t appreciate the impact of humidity, especially in a rainforest. However, he assures that all the trails are beautiful and well worth the time and effort, and hikers will see a diversity of flora and fauna no matter which trail they choose.
Here are his top picks:
La Soufriere Cross
Country Trail with Spectacular views
There are two trails to La Soufrière, leeward and windward
Distance from Kingstown
To leeward trailhead: 2 hours’ drive. To windward trailhead: 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive.
Hike Time
Leeward approach 3 1/2 hours depending on fitness (More difficult than Windward)Windward approach 2 1/2 hours depending on fitness
Difficulty
Challenging. Strenuous climbs and rough terrain. Windward trail - Start at 1200 feet (387 metres) rising to 3196 feet (965 metres) a total of 1900ft (579 metres) elevation gain. Leeward: Start at sea level, zero feet (zero metres), to 3050 feet (930 metres), a total of 3050 feet (930 metres) elevation gain.
Highlights
Stunning views of the surrounding rain forest on the lower slopes of the Volcano and the uninhabited central mountain range.
Guide Essential
Entrance is free
The La Soufriere Cross Country Trail crosses the width of St Vincent, and can be walked starting from either the leeward or windward side. The total trail is approximately 9 miles (15 km) long. The easier trail is the loop trail to the volcano from the windward (East) side, which begins at the Rabacca trailhead, and is about 4 miles (6 km) long. The leeward trail is longer and more difficult. If hikers want to go down into the crater of the volcano they can do so quite easily. At least 2 litres of water and high energy snacks are necessary. It can be cold and wet at the volcano so taking along a light long sleeve top is recommened.
Vermont Nature Trail
Peaceful and beautiful
Distance From Kingston
30 minutes’ drive to trail head
Hike Time
1 ½ - 2 hrs depending on fitness
Difficulty
Moderately difficult. Steep in parts. Slippery when wet.
Highlights
Evergreen and tropical rainforests, bird watching, swimming
Guide Not Essential
The trail is well marked with information posted along the route.
Entrance Fee: US$5
The Vermont Nature Trail traverses a part of the St Vincent Parrot Wildlife Reserve, the habitat of the endemic St. Vincent Parrot. The trail consists of a series of loops through the mountain and you will walk through valleys, past cliffs and through primary and secondary forest. If you are fortunate, you will see the St. Vincent Parrot. Other bird species that you might see include the Purple-Throated Carib, the House Wren and the Whistling Warbler. Along the hike you will pass Trinity Falls, with three cascades and two natural swimming pools. There is also a pool/river, locally known as Table Rock where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Will Be Free Waterfalls
Off the beaten path
Distance from Kingston
1 hour drive to trail head
Hike Time
2 hours depending on fitness
Difficulty
Moderately difficult. Strenuous climbs and rough terrain. Five river crossings. Feet will get wet.
Highlights
Beautiful pools and waterfall pools for swimming
Guide Recommended
Entrance is free
Come prepared to get wet as there are many river crossings on this hike. You can see as many as five beautiful waterfalls of varying heights, three of which have pools where you can have a swim. You will pass through rainforests and see lots of interesting flora and fauna. The hike is relatively flat and the final waterfall has a large, deep pool that you can swim in. The hike includes some scrambling over boulders as you get near to the falls.
Cumberland Nature Trail
Birds Galore
Distance from Kingston
1 hour 30 minutes’ drive to trailhead
Hike Time
1½ - 2 hours
Difficulty
Challenging. Trail is steep in parts. Slippery when wet.
Highlights
Birdlife and virgin rainforest
Guide recommended
Entrance Fee: US$5.00
The Cumberland Nature Trail passes through the Cumberland Forest Reserve, and you will see a diversity of flora and fauna in the rainforest. This is probably the best opportunity to see the St. Vincent Parrot as well as many other bird species with several bird watching booths along the trail. The trail is 1.6 miles (2.5km) long and is a shuttle trip - the hike starts at one trailhead and ends at a different point. Take precautions when hiking the trail due to uneven terrain.
Black Point Tunnel & Mt. Young Beach
Picnic by the beach
Distance From Kingstown
50 minutes’ drive to trailhead
Hike Time
10 minutes to tunnel
Difficulty
Easy walk
Highlights
Tunnel and black sand beach
Guided Not Necessary
Entrance Fee: US$5.00
An easy 20 minute walk brings you to Black Point Tunnel which is a 360 ft (91 m) long tunnel. The tunnel was used for storage and to transport sugar from Grand Sable Estate to the wharf at Byrea. It was built between 1812 and 1815 by the enslaved and was an engineering feat for the period. You can also visit the adjacent Mt Young beach (too rough for swimming but a beautiful black sand beach) and adjacent Grand Sable River and picnic in the nearby gardens. There are limited facilities so bring your own picnic.
Paul also invites you to look at his Facebook page to see all of St Vincent’s rivers and waterfalls and other hikes that you can book with him to hike to, most of which require a high level of fitness and hiking skills.
