Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT)

The Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) is the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail, spanning approximately 185 kilometres (115 miles) from the southern village of Scotts Head to the northern tip at Cabrits National Park near Portsmouth, Dominica. The word Waitukubuli in the trail’s name is after the Kalinago word for Dominica, meaning “Tall is her body,” the trail embodies the island’s towering mountains, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. Divided into 14 segments, each offers unique experiences through diverse ecosystems, vibrant communities, and historical sites.

Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) Segments

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Dominica’s heart, where each trail segment unveils natural wonders, cultural encounters, rich biodiversity and breathtaking vistas awaiting your discovery.

Segment #1 of WNT: Scotts Head to Soufriere

Segment #1 of the Waitukubuli National Trail is a 6.6 km trail located south of Dominica’s volcanic regions, starting at Scotts Head Village and ending at the Soufriere Estate. This challenging hike, now categorized as “Very Difficult,” takes approximately four hours to complete.

Start Point: Scotts Head
End Point: Soufrière
Distance: Approximately 6.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Description:

The trail spans 6.6 km, starting at Scotts Head Village a picturesque village on a narrow peninsula and ending at the Soufriere Estate. The trail traverses a sulphur deposit crater and passes through historical sites like the Soufriere Sulphur Springs, Toloulou Valley, Morne Kwabier Plateau, and the ruins of a Coffee Estate. Key areas of interest include Crabler Plateau, Bois Cotiette Estate, and Sulphur Springs, highlighting traditional farming and cultural heritage.

Hikers traverse coastal forests, spotting tropical birds like the Brown Pelican and Frigatebird. The path crosses the Soufrière River, providing opportunities to cool off. The segment concludes in Soufrière, known for its geothermal activity and natural hot sulfur springs.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Scotts Head, Galion, Soufriere
Rivers Crossed: Soufrière River
Flora and Fauna: Coastal vegetation, marine life, tropical birds
Roads and Highways: Access via coastal road from Roseau
Other Linked Trails: Paths to local snorkeling spots

Segment #2 of WNT: Soufriere to Bellevue Chopin

Ascend from sea to mountains, immersing yourself in lush rainforests and experiencing Dominica’s geothermal wonders.

Start Point: Soufrière
End Point: Bellevue Chopin
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Description:

Segment #2 features a steep ascent from sea level into the mountainous interior, offering breathtaking coastal views. Hikers pass through the Soufrière Sulphur Springs, an area bubbling with geothermal activity. The trail meanders through dense rainforests teeming with orchids, bromeliads, and towering mahogany trees.

Wildlife sightings may include Manicou and hummingbirds. Crossing the Geneva River, the trail leads to Bellevue Chopin, known for organic farms and vibrant community markets showcasing local produce and crafts.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Soufriere, Pointe Michel, Bellevue Chopin
Rivers Crossed: Geneva River
Flora and Fauna: Orchids, bromeliads, Manicous, hummingbirds
Roads and Highways: Intersects with local farm roads
Other Linked Trails: Access to Morne Plat Pays trails

Segment #3 of WNT: Bellevue Chopin to Wotten Waven

Journey through Dominica’s floral heartland, where agricultural abundance meets natural hot springs in unparalleled beauty.

Start Point: Bellevue Chopin
End Point: Wotten Waven
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Trail Description:

Segment #3 traverses the fertile highlands of Giraudel and Eggleston, villages famed for flower gardens and annual festivals. The trail offers stunning views of Morne Anglais. Hikers pass through plantations of vegetables and flowers, interacting with local farmers.

Crossing streams like Ravine Canari, the trail leads into dense rainforest rich with birdlife, including the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch. The segment concludes in Wotten Waven, renowned for therapeutic hot sulfur spas.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Bellevue Chopin, Giraudel, Eggleston, Wotten Waven
Rivers Crossed: Ravine Canari
Flora and Fauna: Flower gardens, vegetable farms, diverse birds
Roads and Highways: Crosses Grand Bay Road
Other Linked Trails: Trails to Morne Anglais summit

Segment #4 of WNT: Wotten Waven to Pont Casse

Immerse yourself in the mountainous rainforest of Dominica’s UNESCO World Heritage site, where waterfalls and wildlife abound.

Start Point: Wotten Waven
End Point: Pont Cassé
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Description:

Segment #4 enters the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, hikers pass near Trafalgar with an optional detour to the spectacular Trafalgar Falls. The trail crosses the Roseau River, offering refreshing dips. The rainforest is home to the endangered Sisserou Parrot and vibrant Jaco Parrot.

The path winds through towering gommier trees adorned with epiphytes and mosses. The segment ends at Pont Cassé Roundabout, Dominica’s central crossroads intersecting the Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway and Imperial Road.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Wotten Waven, Trafalgar
Rivers Crossed: Roseau River, Ravine Lauzes
Flora and Fauna: Sisserou Parrot, gommier trees
Roads and Highways: Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway
Other Linked Trails: Access to Boiling Lake and Middleham Falls trails

Segment #5 of WNT: Pont Cassé to Castle Bruce

Explore cultural heritage and natural splendor as you journey from the island’s center to the rugged Atlantic coast.

Start Point: Pont Cassé
End Point: Castle Bruce
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Description:

Segment #5 meanders between the Central Forest Reserve and Morne Trois Pitons National Park, offering stunning views of mountains like Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Negres Marrons. The trail intersects several rivers, including Warner River and Yellow River, and follows Imperial Road. Highlights include the Emerald Pool, Castle Bruce Road, and coastal views, concluding near Richmond Estate with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding peaks.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Pont Casse, Fond Melle, Castle Bruce
Rivers Crossed: Warner River, River Deux Branches, Laurent River, Fond Figues River, Belle Fille River
Flora and Fauna: Bwa Kwaib, fruit trees
Roads and Highways: Crosses Castle Bruce Road
Other Linked Trails: Emerald Pool Trail

Segment #6 of WNT: Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden

Experience the raw beauty of Dominica’s east coast, where rugged cliffs meet the roaring Atlantic and hidden bays await and immerse yourself into the rich culture of the Kalinago.

Start Point: Castle Bruce
End Point: Hatton Garden
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Description:

Segment #6 stretches from Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden, passing through Dominica’s Kalinago Territory. Hikers enjoy scenic views of Morne Fraser and Morne La Source, crossing rivers like Richmond and Salybia. This segment offers cultural immersion with visits to Kalinago hamlets including Gaulette River, Mahaut River, Crayfish River, Salybia, St. Cyr, and Sineku and sites like Kalinago Barana Auté. The trail concludes at the Pagua River, leading to Segment #7.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Castle Bruce, Good Hope, San Sauveur, Hatton Garden
Rivers Crossed: Madjini River, Richmond River, Mahaut River, Salybia River
Flora and Fauna: Coconut palms, sea grapes
Roads and Highways: East Coast Road
Other Linked Trails: Paths to beaches and bays

Segment #7 of WNT: Hatton Garden to First Camp

Venture into Dominica’s pristine wilderness, where the rainforest envelops you in its emerald embrace.

Start Point: Hatton Garden
End Point: First Camp
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Description:

Entering the Northern Forest Reserve, this segment takes hikers into untouched rainforests. The trail ascends to cooler elevations with misty landscapes. Wildlife is abundant; look out for the elusive Agouti and the rare Mountain Chicken frog.

Flora includes giant tree ferns and moss-covered trees. There are no villages, offering a true wilderness experience. Campsites are available at First Camp.

Incorporated Elements:

Rivers Crossed: Multiple unnamed streams
Flora and Fauna: Tree ferns, Mountain Chicken
Other Linked Trails: Paths to Morne Diablotin

Segment #8 of WNT: First Camp to Petite Macoucherie

Challenge yourself through mountainous terrain, rewarded by breathtaking views from Dominica’s highest peaks.

Start Point: First Camp
End Point: Petite Macoucherie
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Difficulty: Very Challenging

Trail Description:

Traversing Morne Diablotin National Park, home to Dominica’s highest mountain, this demanding trail offers unparalleled island views. Hikers cross the Melville Hall River and Macoucherie River and may see the Blue-headed Hummingbird.

The dense montane forest transitions to elfin woodland. The segment concludes near Salisbury, where the Macoucherie River flows near the Macoucherie Rum Distillery.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Petite Macoucherie, Salisbury
Rivers Crossed: Picard River, Macoucherie River
Flora and Fauna: Montane forests, hummingbirds
Roads and Highways: Access to West Coast Road
Other Linked Trails: Trail to Morne Diablotin summit

Segment #9 of WNT: Petite Macoucherie to Colihaut Heights

Descend toward the Caribbean coast, where rural life and agricultural landscapes showcase Dominica’s heritage.

Start Point: Petite Macoucherie
End Point: Colihaut Heights
Distance: Approximately 11 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Description:

This segment offers a gentler hike through agricultural areas. Hikers pass through Coulibistrie, visiting local markets. Crossing the Coulibistrie River, the trail provides opportunities to observe freshwater life.

The path offers Caribbean Sea views and descends to Colihaut Heights, overlooking Colihaut village.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Petite Macoucherie, Coulibistrie, Colihaut
Rivers Crossed: Coulibistrie River
Flora and Fauna: Agricultural crops, freshwater species
Roads and Highways: West Coast Road
Other Linked Trails: Coastal paths

Segment #10 of WNT: Colihaut Heights to Syndicate

Step into a birdwatcher’s paradise within the Syndicate Nature Reserve, where parrot calls echo through the canopy.

Start Point: Colihaut Heights
End Point: Syndicate
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Description:

Entering the Syndicate Nature Reserve, renowned for rich birdlife, hikers may spot the endemic Sisserou Parrot. Crossing the Dublanc River, the trail offers a cool, shaded journey.

Educational signs provide ecosystem insights. The segment ends at the Syndicate Visitor Center.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Colihaut, Dublanc
Rivers Crossed: Dublanc River
Flora and Fauna: Sisserou Parrot, rainforest vegetation
Roads and Highways: Access roads to Syndicate
Other Linked Trails: Paths within the reserve

Segment #11 of WNT: Syndicate to Borne

Experience the harmony of nature and rural life as you traverse forested areas and local communities.

Start Point: Syndicate
End Point: Borne
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Description:

Continuing through lush forests into agricultural lands, this segment offers interactions with communities like Bioche. Hikers can observe traditional farming and sample local fruits.

Crossing small streams, the trail offers serene rest spots. The segment concludes in Borne.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Syndicate, Bioche, Borne
Rivers Crossed: Unnamed streams
Flora and Fauna: Agricultural crops, fruit trees
Roads and Highways: Minor village roads
Other Linked Trails: Local footpaths

Segment #12 of WNT: Borne to Penville

Traverse landscapes offering panoramic island views, bridging Caribbean and Atlantic coasts in one glance.

Start Point: Borne
End Point: Penville
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Description:

Navigating hilly terrain, the trail passes near Vieille Case, known for traditional architecture. Crossing the Hampstead River, surrounded by lush vegetation, hikers may see the Red-necked Pigeon.

The segment ends in Penville, offering insights into rural life.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Borne, Vieille Case, Penville
Rivers Crossed: Hampstead River
Flora and Fauna: Coastal forests, birds
Roads and Highways: Northern Link Road
Other Linked Trails: Paths to coastal viewpoints

Segment #13 of WNT: Penville to Capuchin

Discover Dominica’s northern charm, where history and natural beauty converge in villages overlooking the sea.

Start Point: Penville
End Point: Capuchin
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Description:

A leisurely hike through scenic landscapes, the trail passes Capuchin Ridge, with historical sites. Hikers can see Guadeloupe on clear days.

Crossing small streams, the segment ends in Capuchin, rich in culture.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Penville, Clifton, Capuchin
Rivers Crossed: Unnamed streams
Flora and Fauna: Coastal plants
Roads and Highways: Northern coastal road
Other Linked Trails: Paths to historical sites

Segment #14 of WNT: Capuchin to Cabrits National Park

Conclude your journey at Cabrits National Park, where history, nature, and the sea create a finale like no other.

Start Point: Capuchin
End Point: Cabrits National Park
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Description:

The final segment leads to Cabrits National Park near Portsmouth. The trail passes villages like Tanetane, crossing the Indian River, famous for mangrove-lined banks.

At Cabrits National Park, explore Fort Shirley and enjoy snorkeling in the marine reserve.

Incorporated Elements:

Villages and Communities: Capuchin, Tanetane, Portsmouth
Rivers Crossed: Indian River
Flora and Fauna: Mangroves, marine life
Roads and Highways: Northern Highway
Other Linked Trails: Trails within the park

Connecting Trails and Routes

Enhance your adventure by exploring additional trails that connect with the Waitukubuli National Trail, offering deeper insights into Dominica’s landscapes.

The trail intersects with several other routes:

Morne Diablotin Trail: Accessible from Segment 8.
Boiling Lake Trail: Connected near Segment 4.
Middleham Falls Trail: From Segments 3 and 4.
Morne Anglais Trail: Near Segment 3.
Freshwater Lake Trails: Near Laudat.
Kalinago Territory Trails: Near Segment 5.

Reserves and Parks

Discover protected areas along the trail showcasing Dominica’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

The trail passes through significant reserves:

Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Northern Forest Reserve
Syndicate Nature Reserve
Morne Diablotin National Park
Cabrits National Park

These areas offer education, conservation, and unique ecosystems.

Conservation and Community Engagement

Join in preserving Dominica’s treasures through responsible tourism and community involvement.

The trail promotes:

Community Development: Supporting local economies.
Environmental Protection: Preserving habitats.
Cultural Exchange: Engaging with communities.
Sustainable Practices: Responsible hiking.
Education: Raising awareness.

Practical Information

Prepare for an unforgettable journey with essential information for a safe, enjoyable hike.

Trail Difficulty: Varies; proper preparation is essential.
Guides: Hiring locals enhances safety.
Accommodation: Guesthouses, homestays, campsites.
Permits and Fees: Required; obtain from authorities.
Best Time to Hike: December to May.
Safety Tips:
- Inform someone of your itinerary.
- Be prepared for weather changes.
- Carry sufficient supplies.
Respect Local Customs:
- Seek permission before photos.
- Dress modestly in villages.

With diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences, the Waitukubuli National Trail invites adventurers to explore Dominica’s untouched beauty. Each segment offers a unique journey, weaving natural wonders and warm hospitality into an unforgettable tapestry of discovery.