Highest Peak in Dominica
The highest peak in Dominica, Morne Diablotin, towers at 1,447 meters (4,747 feet) and stands as a majestic emblem of the island’s wild, rugged beauty. Located in the northern highlands, Morne Diablotin is not only Dominica’s highest point but also a sacred natural stronghold—shaped by volcanic force, wrapped in mist, and steeped in the lore of generations.
The Backbone of the North
Rising from the dense rainforests of the Morne Diablotin National Park, the mountain’s slopes feed many of Dominica’s key rivers. Its thick cloud and montane forests function like green lungs for the island, soaking in moisture from passing clouds and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers. These forests are rarely disturbed and have earned their reputation as one of the most ecologically rich environments in the Lesser Antilles.
A Sanctuary for Rare Wildlife
The slopes of Morne Diablotin are one of the last refuges of the Sisserou Parrot, the national bird of Dominica and a critically endangered species found nowhere else on earth. It also shares this highland forest with its smaller cousin, the Jaco Parrot, along with a host of frogs, lizards, orchids, and towering Gommier trees. The mountain’s high elevation and constant moisture have created a haven for species that thrive in cool, cloud-laced conditions.
Climbing the Crown of the Island
Reaching Morne Diablotin’s summit is no small feat. The Morne Diablotin Trail, accessed from near the village of Dublanc, is one of the most demanding hikes in Dominica. While the trail itself measures just 2 kilometers, the conditions—slippery roots, steep gradients, and frequent mist—mean hikers often spend 2 to 3 hours ascending. The round trip can take up to 6 hours, and while the summit is frequently veiled in cloud, clear days reveal breathtaking views across the island’s northern spine, with glimpses of Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park, and neighboring islands like Guadeloupe.
A Peak Steeped in Lore
The name “Morne Diablotin” is often translated as “Devil’s Mountain,” a legacy of colonial perceptions of the island’s uncharted, brooding terrain. For Dominicans, though, the peak holds a more grounded, reverent place—seen not as a place of fear, but of endurance, wildness, and balance. Many older residents recall stories passed down about hidden rivers, ancient spirits, and the deep respect one must carry when venturing into such untamed heights.
Morne Diablotin isn’t just a summit to reach—it’s a world unto itself, offering a glimpse into the primeval nature that continues to define Dominica. For hikers, ecologists, and anyone who seeks to understand the island’s soul, this mountain stands as a silent, mist-wrapped guide.