Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail

The Des Cartiers trail runs a loop of around four kilometres through mature rainforest in Saint Lucia's southeastern interior, one of the forestry department's maintained routes, with tall gommier and chatannier trees, tree ferns and epiphytes along it. The Saint Lucia parrot lives in this forest and is heard regularly. The trail connects with the Edmund Forest route across the island for those going further. The forestry department maintains a network of such trails across the interior, of which this is among the most accessible.

Highlights

• The mature rainforest - tall gommier and chatannier along the route.
• The four kilometre loop - the maintained circuit from the trailhead.
• The parrots - the endemic birds heard through the forest.
• The cross-island link - the connection to the Edmund Forest route.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the trail is firmer. Early morning is best for birds. The forest is wet in every month.

Practical notes

The trail is muddy in most conditions and proper footwear matters. A guide is required by the forestry department. The access road is rough.

Nearby

Micoud is southeast, and the Edmund Forest is west.