This long and relatively desolate trail will take you through some of the most pristine and beautiful forest on the island with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. There are periodic breaks in the forest with expansive views of the south coast. It is very well maintained – effectively a road – for its entire length making the walking itself and navigation easy. It climbs very gradually from the sugarcane fields near Bel Ombre to the Plaine Champagne road near the Gorges Viewpoint. The trail is relatively long though, but mostly shaded apart from the upper end. The best wildlife viewing seems to be in the middle/lower portion.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back/One Way
- Start point: Trailhead off Plaine Champagne Road
- End Point: Plaine Champagne/Bel Ombre sugarcane fields
- Length: 4.7 miles one way
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Lowest point: 745ft
- Highest point: 2350ft
There are two ways to approach the trail, but one makes more sense than the other. Approaching from Bel Ombre will require you to pass through several miles of sugar cane fields where you must navigate a patchwork of rugged roads. It is not difficult with a GPS though or a decent map. Access from Plaine Champagne is easy in comparison.
From Plaine Champagne:
The trailhead is just beyond the Gorges Viewpoint if you are headed in the direction of Petrin. It will be on the south side of the road (see photos). Park here an then begin descending the road. The trail consists of nothing apart from this road. Do not depart from the most prominent road/trail. Watch for wildlife. I would turn around when you reach a park outpost consisting of a group of green buildings followed by a gate. Return the same way.
From Bel Ombre:
Follow the map/gps track until you reach a large gate with a small sign that says “Please close.” (See Photos). Park here and pass through the gate. Immediately turn right and continue until you reach another gate marked “Please open.” Enter and then close it behind you. Walk past the green buildings and continue following the road. Do not depart from the main trail/road. Watch for wildlife. Return the same way.
Great website and loads of good hikes. Looking forward to doing a few when we are out there this Nov/Dec.
Thanks again
We did this walk in October 2016. We found this trail boring because it is mainly a 4WD track, so we returned about 1 hour after departure.
I think it is probably variable depending on season/luck. I saw the best wildlife out of any hike that I did on the island, hence the high rating. As you said though, the trail itself is nothing spectacular.