In Dominica, known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, a hike is a must! From easy to intermediate to hard hikes, there is something for everyone. Given the many trails available, I was not able take enough hikes to tell you my favorite. What I am going to say is that you should definitely try out at least the three types of hikes I describe here.

One of the 14 segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail

Hiking at least one the the Waitukubuli National Trail (WTN) covering 114 miles, spanning and twisting the length of Dominica is a most. The trails go through coastal villages, into lush rainforest, past waterfalls, down rivers, up mountains, by the sea the Kalinago (an indigenous Indian) territory, 18th century ruins from French settlements and passages where runaway slaves known as ‘Maroons’ used to escape into the mountains. Following the trail is a great way to see the natural beauty of the country, learn the country’s history and experience the kindness and hospitality of locals. I hiked Segment 2, a 7-mile moderate hike from Soufriere village Bellevue Chopin in the South. For more info on the WTN, visit this webpage.

Photo: Chad Ambo, Ambo Visuals, Dominica

To a waterfall

The pools around waterfalls are clear and cool. Stripping down to your swimwear and dipping into the water after a sweaty hike is something to definitely try. I hiked to Cathedral waterfalls, located on the Western boarder of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and floated in the water as I looked up into a clear blue sky. I also hiked up a river to a tiny, or I like to call 'a baby' waterfall in the rainforest at Rosalie, an area located to the east of the island. Cathedral waterfall has my heart.

Photo: Michael Lees, Michael Lees Media, Dominica

Around or to a lake

There are three lakes in Dominica, Boiling Lake, Boeri Lake and Freshwater Lake. I was able to hike to two out of the three. Boiling lake is a challenging 3-4 hour hike (one way). The Boiling lake is so hot, the saying goes that you can cook an egg in less than 1 minute. I personally did not want to hike hours to a lake I was not going to be able to jump in and swim or get my feet wet. So, I skipped that one but all the tourist books will tell you to do it. The choice is yours.

A word of advice, I, and pretty much anyone who has done it, will say that Boeri lake is incredibly slippery. Hence, either go barefoot or use really good hiking shoes.

Photo: Chad Ambo, Ambo Visuals, Dominica

If you would like the name and contact of a fantastic hiking guide, which is not as easy to find as I thought it would be, you can find it in the Contacts for Dominica package for sale on the Edna Explore's website shop here. The guide is a seasoned guide from the Kalinago indigenous Indian community and knows all the trails. He is also professional and is cordial.

* Cover photo: Michael Lees, Michael Lees Media, Dominica

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