This 115-Mile Hiking Trail Through Dominica Is the Caribbean’s Longest (And Most Epic)

The path twists upward through fern forests, crosses rivers lined with boulders the size of small boats, and opens onto vistas that seem carved from a fantasy novel. This isn’t Costa Rica or the Andes — this is Dominica, and you’re hiking the Waitukubuli Trail. Spanning nearly the entire length of the island, the Waitukubuli National Trail is the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean — a 115-mile (184-kilometer) journey that unfolds like a living documentary of the Nature Island. And for travelers who prefer waterfalls over Wi-Fi and rainforest over resort pools, it’s a trail unlike any other.

Where Is It?

The Waitukubuli Trail runs from the southern village of Scott’s Head to the northern tip of Dominica, at Cabrits National Park. It cuts through coastal fishing villages, deep forest valleys, Kalinago Territory, sulfur springs, banana farms, and cloud-covered peaks. The name “Waitukubuli” — pronounced Y-tuh-ku-bu-lee — comes from the Kalinago word for Dominica and means “tall is her body.” It’s a fitting title for a trail that climbs and dips through some of the island’s most dramatic terrain. I remember the first time I entered the trail. It was magical.

What Makes It Special?

This isn’t just a hiking route — it’s a walk through living culture, geology, and biodiversity. You’ll trek across 14 distinct segments, each with its own identity. Some sections wander past old sugar estates. Others take you through thick jungle buzzing with parrots and giant ferns. You might spend the morning climbing into the cloud forest and the afternoon soaking in a hot sulfur spring.

Dominica is already known as one of the Caribbean’s wildest islands. But on the Waitukubuli Trail, you’ll find a level of immersion that goes deeper than most vacations dare. You’ll meet villagers along the way who’ll wave you into roadside shops for fresh kassava bread and bush tea. You’ll hear the rushing sound of water almost everywhere you go. You’ll realize that Dominica isn’t just scenic — it’s alive.

How Long Does It Take?

Technically, you could walk the entire trail in about two weeks. But most travelers break it up, hiking one or two segments at a time. Some of the more popular sections can be completed in a half-day with a guide, making the experience accessible even if you’re only in Dominica for a few days.

One of the most iconic segments is Segment 4, which takes hikers from the village of Wotten Waven to Pont Casse through rainforest so thick it feels prehistoric. Segment 11, closer to the northern coast, opens up with sweeping views of the sea and the Cabrits Peninsula. You can pick your pace — and your adventure level.

What You’ll See Along the Way

Expect to cross rivers on foot, climb ridgelines with views of boiling lakes and steaming vents, and pass through villages where creole French and Kalinago words blend in the air. Wild orchids bloom alongside the trail. Mountain chickens (Dominica’s famous frogs) croak in the forest. This is the Caribbean as it was before cruise ships and cocktails — raw, rich, and unforgettable.

When to Go

The best time to hike the Waitukubuli Trail is during Dominica’s dry season, which runs roughly from December through April. Trails are clearer, rivers are lower, and the heat is more manageable. That said, Dominica’s weather is famously unpredictable — rain can fall at any time. Bring sturdy boots, a light rain jacket, and prepare to get muddy. That’s part of the fun.

Need to Know

• Guides are recommended, especially for longer segments. They’ll help with navigation, share local insight, and ensure safety on slippery or rugged sections.
• Trail passes are required for certain segments and can be obtained through the Dominica Forestry Division or most tour operators.
• Accommodations range from eco-lodges and guesthouses in villages along the way to full-service resorts if you’re basing yourself in Roseau.

Why It’s Worth It

Most hikes give you a view. This one gives you a story. The Waitukubuli Trail isn’t just about scenery — it’s about connection. To land. To people. To something wild and ancient that still lives in the folds of Dominica’s green hills.

There are Caribbean vacations, and then there’s this: a journey by foot across a volcanic island with rivers for roads and ferns for ceilings. It’s not for everyone. But for those who go, it’s unforgettable.

How to Get to Dominica

Getting to the Nature Island is easier than ever. American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Miami to Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), the island’s main international gateway. United Airlines also launched nonstop service from Newark, giving East Coast travelers a direct route into the heart of the Eastern Caribbean.

Once you land, it’s about a 90-minute drive to the southern trailhead at Scott’s Head — or less if you’re starting with one of the mid-island trail segments. Many local guides and tour operators can arrange pickup and drop-off, making the transition from plane to trail surprisingly seamless