The Waitukubuli National Trail comprises 115 miles of trail traversing the length of Dominica. The 14 Trail Segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail spans from Scott’s Head in the south, to Capuchin in the north of the Island. The trail will take you into therapeutic sulphur springs, down treacherous valleys, up steep hills and mountains, into lush rainforests, by rivers and lakes, and past tempting cascading waterfalls both big and small. Along the way, Dominica’s unique breath-taking terrain will reveal her wellness secrets hidden in her flora and fauna, and her warm friendly people.
On your Waitukubuli National Trail adventure, you will learn some of Dominica’s history going through traditional Carib Indian villages, in the Kalinago Indian reservation. Explore the French quarter’s ruins of 18th century French settlements, the newly renovated fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park a large 18th-century British garrison that once housed 600 soldiers.
Though you can attempt to trek the full length of the Trail, you can also choose a segment or segments of the trail that is most suited for you. The trail is divided into three segments in terms of difficulty: Easy, Medium and Hard. A guide is always recommended though not always required, and a user fee of $5.00 is required at certain areas of the Trail. There are different types of accommodation along the way, such as guesthouses and bed and breakfast, and for the more adventurous, pitching a tent is also an option.
The Trail was officially commissioned in November, 2011 and was funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica in partnership with the Regional Council of Martinique. The Month of May is designated Hike Fest in Dominica.
Segments according to degree of difficulty:
Easy:
Scott’s Head to Soufriere Estate
Attractions: Old French Quarter, Soufriere Sulphur Springs, Sulphur deposit, View of Martinique
Trafalgar Falls
Attractions: Twin waterfalls locally called father and mother.
Syndicate
Attractions: Rainforest, Parrots.
Cabrits
Attractions: Partly-restored old forts and buildings.
Medium:
Penrice
Attractions: Located in the Island interior are two small falls close to each other.
Middleham Falls
Attractions: Rainforest and waterfalls.
Morne aux Diables
Attractions: Rainforest, Mountains.
Victoria Falls
Attractions: Waterfalls, rivers, natural river pool to swim in.
Sari Sari Falls
Attractions: Water falls, rainforest.
Morne Anglais
Attractions: Rainforest, mountains, beautiful flowers. The village of Giruadel hosts a flower show every year.
Hard :
Perdu Temps
Attractions: Mountain, forest and village.
Morne Trois Pitons
Attractions: Mountains, clouds, impressive views if not cloudy.
Morne Diablotin
Attractions: 4,747 ft mountain, rainforest.
Boiling Lake
Attractions: boiling Lake, rainforest.