Take a hike! Some of the Caribbean’s most scenic trails in photos · Global Voices
Hikers stopping to look at the view on Jamaica's famous Blue Mountain Trail. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The United States enjoys hiking so much that it dedicated an entire day to it: National Hiking Day, celebrated on November 17. Although the footprint of Caribbean hiking trails may not be able to rival the 60,000 miles the U.S. can boast of, the region has many avid hikers, the views are just as breathtaking, and—in the midst of not only the COVID-19 pandemic but the climate crisis, which poses an existential threat to many island nations—it may be more important than ever to connect with nature.
In that spirit, here are a few photos from various Caribbean territories that may just inspire you to dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails!
Beautiful bamboo
Entrance to the Bamboo Cathedral in Chaguaramas, Trinidad. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Located in Tucker Valley in Trinidad's Chaguaramas National Park, the Bamboo Cathedral is so named because the tall stalks of the bamboo lining the trail overlap to form basilica-like arches. Several watercolor paintings by Trinidad’s revered 19-century artist, <PERSON>, were inspired by this trail, which has remained more or less the same for over 150 years.
View of the sea along the road to the Tracking Station at dusk. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The trail, which offers stunning glimpses of Macqueripe Bay and the north coast, ascends to the Tracking Station where a massive satellite dish dating back to the Cold War dominates the landscape. Chaguaramas, on Trinidad's western peninsula, was also used as a United States military base during World War II.
The abandoned satellite dish at Tracking Station, Chaguaramas, Trinidad. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Brilliant beaches
A family on a coastal hike from Harbour View in the parish of St. Andrew, to Bob Marley Beach in St. Thomas, Jamaica. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Part of the charm of Caribbean hiking is that many trails lead to the beach, like this trail on Jamaica's southern coast that runs from St. 482
Andrew, the parish in which the capital, Kingston, is located, to the neighbouring parish of St. Thomas on the island's south-eastern tip.
Beach along Trinidad's north-east coast. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
There are many hiking trails along Trinidad's north coast, including Rio Seco, which leads to a waterfall, Shark River, which is a pleasant trek along a winding river, and this unnamed trail frequented by locals, which leads to this scenic pebble beach.
Wonderful waterfalls
Breadnut Valley Estate, Maggotty, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Jamaica is not called “the land of wood and water” for nothing. The island has some of the most breathtaking locales in the region, including this waterfall, at Jamaica's Breadnut Valley Estate, which is off the beaten track, but well worth the trek.
Edith Falls, Chaguaramas, on Trinidad's northwestern peninsula, and Avocat Falls, Blanchisseuse, along the island's north coast. Photos by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The hike to Trinidad's Edith Falls involves a fairly short and easy walk until you get you the rocky section, located upriver, which involves some climbing. The fall itself is really more like a water wall, as the water flows down various sections of the expansive rock face—especially during the rainy season, when it is more impressive. The hike to Avocat can be approached from opposite directions, one mostly via land and part of the other involving trekking through the Marianne River.
Trafalgar Falls, Dominica. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The trail to Dominica's impressive Trafalgar Falls is a comfortable 10- to 15-minute walk, but if you need a respite before reaching the waterfall itself, there are warm sulphur pools you can take a dip in en route. Depending on how agile you are, you can climb a bit further and swim in the pools and springs beneath the falls.
Going green
On the Blue Mountain Trail. Photo by <PERSON>/Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust, used with permission.
One of the great joys of hiking in the Caribbean is its viridescence. Although dry seasons in the Caribbean can be harsh, the trails are typically lush and leafy, providing a real escape from the rigours of the world.
The Bull Head Mountain trail, Clarendon, Jamaica, and the route to Mount St. 482