The Longest Trail In The Caribbean Offers A Challenging Hike With Unbeatable Views

The Caribbean might not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about the world's best hiking trails, but the Waitukubuli National Trail is paving the way as the first trek of its kind in the region. For lovers of long-distance hikes, this terrific beauty offers the longest route in the Caribbean and has brought tourists from all over the world, eager to explore its breathtaking landscapes.

Located in Dominica, the Waitukubuli National Trail highlights the island's rugged terrain and wild geography with features like roaring waterfalls, misty mountains, dense gorges, abundant wildlife, and rainforests. The trail spans 115 miles in total, scattered through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It begins at the island's extreme northern shore and ends at Scott's Head in the south. Divided into 14 segments, hikers connect Scott's head with the Cabrits National Park on the northern coast. At the end of the day, this unlikely route offers unbelievable views and amazing landscapes, making it worthy of adding to your bucket list. 

This adventurous hike passes many of the island's best attractions. Among the many sights that are found along this trek, the Scott's Head Peninsula is one of the most beautiful, uniquely positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula offers magical views just above Soufrière Bay, which is a bustling marine ecosystem and one of the top diving sites on Dominica Island.

Hikers can take a little detour off Segment 4 of the Waitukubuli National Trail to discover the Boiling Lake. Located in a volcanic fumarole in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this body of water is constantly boiling due to subsurface geothermal activity. Surrounded by dramatic, misty mountains, this detour offers some of the most impressive sights on the trail. Avid birdwatchers and nature lovers will love Morne Diablotin National Park in Segment 11, which showcases a mix of wild rivers, prime forests, farmlands, and plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife like colorful parrots. 

Dominica is a remote island, but travelers will be happy to know that there are direct flights from Miami in the United States and other Caribbean islands. As a tourist who enjoys the beauty of the sea and oceans, a more natural and exciting way to get to Dominica can be by sailboat. Accommodation options along the trail itself are plentiful, depending on which segment you're hiking. For example, there are no accommodation facilities in Segments 8 and 9. At the end of Segment 1, the Soufrière Guesthouse is a viable option for accommodation. At the end of Segment 3, Le Petit Paradis is another guesthouse with home-cooked meals that are the perfect treat after a day of hiking. For visitors looking to take a detour off the trail in search of other accommodation options, you can't go wrong with the Hibiscus Valley Inn or the Danglez Bed & Breakfast. At the end of Segment 10, Picard is another great place to rest for the night. 

Hiking the Waitukubuli National Trail does require some specific gear, including a trail pass from the Forestry Division. A day pass that allows access to one or more segments of the trail costs $12, while special passes for groups cost $10, and a fifteen-day pass costs $40. You'll also need offline maps or GPS (which can be downloaded to your phone), rain gear, headlamps, long pants, comfortable clothing, and a filter system for your water on day hikes. Overnight hikes will require a much longer list of gear, including a waterproof tent, which you'll likely need to bring with you.