Hiking is one of the most popular activities for residents and visitors alike. There are more than 8 trails which are maintained, but we believe these are the five nature trails you must hike when you visit Montserrat.

You can review all the current trails on our hiking page which have been ranked, light, moderate, difficult, or extreme. We encourage you to book a trail guide to ensure the best experience and for your safety. Trail guides are available through Scriber’s Adventures or the Montserrat National Trust.

The Underwood trail can be traversed in 45 minutes. As such it is one of the lighter hikes but is not short on views or beauty of our flora and fauna. Connecting Barzeys to the Blackwood Allen trail, this offers a short hike through former agricultural lands and enters the dense forest. Although the Underwood has mostly modest slopes, there are a couple of sections that can get slippery. At the junction with the Blackwood Allen trail, turn and retrace your steps along the same path that you ascended unless you plan to continue to the Blackwood Allen and end your hike elsewhere.

The Duberry-Cassava trail is 45 minutes one-way. It is only half a mile and it can be done on its own or serve as the connector between two other trails The Cot and the Oriole Walkway. It is a short hike with mostly gentle slopes through the dry forest. There is a marked picnic area in a clearing in the forest near to the remnants of the arrowroot factory and not far from the southern end of the trail.

Rendezvous
The beauty of Montserrat’s only white-sand beach awaits after this moderate trek to Rendezvous Bay. This trail originates behind the concrete block company, near the main seaport in Little Bay and climbs steeply over a saddle, descending steeply into the Rendezvous Valley and taking you directly to the beach. There are no facilities at the beach, just you and nature. Snorkeling gear can be rented from Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay before you begin. Water, a hat and sunscreen are advised, as there is little tree cover. Although this is a moderate hike, there are some dangerous areas on the way down to the beach and you should take extra precautions.

The Dry Waterfall trail is three hours round trip and is a moderate level one. It is often wet and slippery with dramatic cliffs rising on either side of the trail. You will need to traverse a few gullies and the trail passes through the rocky bed of Soldier Ghaut. The actual waterfall is about 100 feet high, but only runs in the rainy season or after heavy rainfall. It is still worth the hike even when the weather has been dry! The return journey retraces the same path by which you entered.

Oriole Walkway is Montserrat’s most popular hiking trail and for good reason. It is two hours one way and with a guide, you are likely to see or hear our national bird the Montserrat Oriole. From either direction, the trail ascends gently then steeply to the top of Lawyer’s Mountain. A short spur to a clearing at the highest point of the trail (1287 ft. above sea level) affords breathtaking views of the island to the north and south.

More avid hikers who want the challenge of exploring more of our Centre and Katy hill trails should visit our hiking page for more options.

For a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, please observe the following guidelines:

• Do not hike alone.
• Before setting out, always inform someone of your intended route and anticipated time of return.
• Choose a trail that fits your capabilities.
• Respect the environment and wildlife.
• Do not cut, pick, burn, or otherwise remove anything from the natural environment.
• You may encounter flagging tape or other markers along the trails which are used in biodiversity survey work. Please do not remove them.
• Please take all garbage and waste with you when you leave.
  Stay on the trail. Many of the trails cross private property.
• Pets are discouraged from trails, but if you do choose to carry yours, please ensure that they are always on a leash.
• Bring plenty of water and a high-energy snack for your hike. A good rule of thumb for our climate is to take at least half a litre of water per person per hour of hiking.
• Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are advised for all trails, which quickly become very muddy during and after rainfall.
• Long pants/trousers are recommended to protect against scratches and insect bites.