North Coast Road

The North Coast Road climbs out of Maraval over the Northern Range and drops to the sea at Maracas, then runs east along the coast through Las Cuevas and Blanchisseuse. It was built by American engineers during the Second World War and it is the only road access to most of the north coast. The lookout near the top of the climb gives the standard view of forested slopes falling to the Caribbean, with vendors selling preserved fruit.

Highlights

• The lookout - the viewpoint over forest falling to the north coast.
• The wartime road - a route built by American engineers in the 1940s.
• The coastal run - the road east along the shore to Blanchisseuse.
• The roadside vendors - preserved fruit and chow sold at the viewpoints.

When to go

January to May is driest and clearest. Weekends bring heavy traffic to Maracas. Landslides close sections during the wet season.

Practical notes

The road is narrow and winding with poor barriers, and landslips close it regularly in the wet season. Weekend traffic to Maracas is heavy. Driving it at night is unwise.

Nearby

Maracas Bay is at the bottom, and Las Cuevas is east.