Exploring Martinique's Best Hiking Trails

Martinique, a tropical paradise in the French Caribbean, offers more than just idyllic beaches and vibrant Creole culture. For those looking to explore the island beyond its shoreline, hiking provides an incredible way to immerse yourself in its diverse and dramatic landscapes. From towering volcanic peaks to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastal cliffs, Martinique's hiking trails reveal the island’s wild, untamed beauty. Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a challenging ascent or a casual walker wanting to enjoy scenic vistas, Martinique offers something for everyone. Each trail not only highlights the island’s natural splendor but also provides a journey through its rich history and vibrant ecosystems. Ready to lace up your boots? Let’s explore!

1. Mount Pelée – The Thrilling Volcano Climb

Mount Pelée, the island’s towering active volcano, offers an exhilarating and challenging adventure for seasoned hikers and thrill-seekers. Starting near Le Morne Rouge, the trail leads you through Martinique’s diverse landscapes, beginning with lush tropical vegetation that transitions into rugged volcanic terrain as you ascend. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating geological features, including volcanic craters and remnants of past eruptions. As you climb higher, the air becomes cooler, and the vegetation sparser, until you reach the summit at 1,397 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island, the surrounding Caribbean Sea, and, on clear days, even the distant shores of neighboring islands. This hike is truly one of Martinique’s most unforgettable experiences.

• Starting Point: L’Aileron Parking Lot (near Le Morne Rouge)
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N3 road toward Le Morne Rouge. Follow signs for Mount Pelée, and the L’Aileron parking lot is at the base of the trail.
• Trail Length: 8 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Volcanic craters, tropical forests, sweeping views

Insider Tip: Start early to avoid cloud cover that often obstructs the views later in the day.

2. La Caravelle Peninsula – A Coastal Paradise

The La Caravelle Peninsula offers one of Martinique’s most beautiful coastal hikes, combining dry forests, mangroves, and rugged cliffs. The trail leads you to the historic Caravelle Lighthouse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the peninsula’s dramatic coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass isolated beaches and unique rock formations, providing a diverse landscape perfect for birdwatching and photography. This hike offers a moderately challenging adventure through one of the island’s most ecologically rich areas.

• Starting Point: La Caravelle Nature Reserve
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N1 and D2 roads toward Tartane. The trailhead is located at the La Caravelle Nature Reserve, where parking is available.
• Trail Length: 9 kilometers (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Highlights: Coastal views, birdwatching, mangrove forests

Insider Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the lighthouse, where the panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline are truly mesmerizing.

3. Trace des Caps – The Ultimate Coastal Hike

Trace des Caps is a spectacular hike that takes you along Martinique’s southeastern coast, showcasing some of the island’s most pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and coconut groves. The trail is long and can be broken into sections, making it ideal for both day hikers and those seeking a multi-day coastal adventure. The most popular section, from Cap Chevalier to Anse Trabaud, offers stunning views of turquoise waters and the untouched beauty of Martinique’s less-explored coastline.

• Starting Point: Cap Chevalier
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N5 to Sainte-Anne, then follow signs for Cap Chevalier. Parking is available at the trailhead.
• Trail Length: 27 kilometers (full trail)
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Duration: 2-4 days (or 4-6 hours for shorter segments)
• Trail Type: Point-to-point
• Highlights: Remote beaches, cliffs, coconut groves, pristine coastline

Insider Tip: Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as some parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.

4. Pitons du Carbet – A Rainforest Adventure

The Pitons du Carbet are a series of volcanic peaks that offer some of the most challenging hikes on Martinique. The hike to Morne Piquet, the highest peak at 1,197 meters, takes you deep into Martinique’s lush rainforests. This steep and often muddy trail offers a rewarding climb, with jaw-dropping views of both the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts from the summit. The biodiversity along the trail is remarkable, with dense jungle and the sounds of tropical birds accompanying you along the way.

• Starting Point: Morne Rouge
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N3 road toward Morne Rouge. Parking is available near the trailhead.
• Trail Length: 10 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Rainforests, volcanic peaks, panoramic island views

Insider Tip: Bring sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles, as the trail can be slippery, especially after rainfall.

5. Cascade Couleuvre – A Waterfall Retreat

The Cascade Couleuvre trail is perfect for those seeking a short but rewarding hike through the heart of Martinique’s northern rainforest. The trail takes you through lush tropical vegetation, culminating at a 120-foot waterfall. After a scenic walk, you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural pool beneath the cascade. Located near Le Prêcheur, this hike offers an easy escape into nature and is ideal for families or casual hikers.

• Starting Point: Couleuvre Beach Parking
• How to Get There: From Saint-Pierre, take the D10 road to Le Prêcheur and follow signs for Couleuvre Beach. Parking is available at the trailhead.
• Trail Length: 3 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Tropical rainforests, stunning waterfall, swimming opportunities

Insider Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the waterfall without crowds, and bring swimwear for a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

6. Morne Larcher – The Sleeping Woman’s Hike

Morne Larcher, known as the “Sleeping Woman” due to its shape, is one of Martinique’s most iconic hikes. Though short, the trail is steep and challenging, rewarding hikers with stunning views of Diamant Bay and the famous Diamond Rock. The rocky terrain and sharp ascent make this trail a great workout, and the breathtaking coastal views from the summit are well worth the effort.

• Starting Point: Anse Cafard Memorial
• How to Get There: From Le Diamant, follow the D37 road toward Anse Cafard. Parking is available near the Anse Cafard Memorial, where the trailhead begins.
• Trail Length: 3.5 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Diamant Bay and Diamond Rock

Insider Tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and pack plenty of water for the steep ascent.

7. Gorges de la Falaise – A River Gorge Adventure

For a unique and adventurous experience, the Gorges de la Falaise trail takes you through a narrow river canyon surrounded by lush vegetation. You’ll wade through water, climb over rocks, and scramble up waterfalls as you follow the river deeper into the gorge. This short but thrilling hike is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind getting wet along the way.

• Starting Point: Ajoupa-Bouillon
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N3 and D1 roads toward Ajoupa-Bouillon. Parking is available near the Falaise River entrance.
• Trail Length: 2 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate (requires wading and climbing)
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: River canyons, waterfalls, tropical jungle

Insider Tip: Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals for navigating the slippery rocks and wading through water.

8. Les Salines to Anse Trabaud – Beachfront Bliss

Starting at Les Salines Beach, one of Martinique’s most famous beaches, this coastal trail takes you through coconut groves and along pristine shores to the secluded Anse Trabaud. The hike offers stunning views of the southern coastline and is perfect for beach lovers who want to combine hiking with sunbathing and swimming. Anse Trabaud is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil retreat from the more crowded beaches.

• Starting Point: Les Salines Beach
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N5 road to Sainte-Anne, then follow signs for Les Salines Beach. Parking is available at the beach.
• Trail Length: 6 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Secluded beaches, coconut groves, scenic coastal views

Insider Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity of Anse Trabaud, which is far less crowded than other beaches on the island.

9. Grand Rivière to Anse Couleuvre – A Northern Gem

For those looking for a more remote and rugged hiking experience, the trail from Grand Rivière to Anse Couleuvre offers dramatic coastal scenery on Martinique’s northern edge. Starting in the quiet fishing village of Grand Rivière, this trail hugs the coastline, offering stunning views of cliffs, black sand beaches, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The hike ends at Anse Couleuvre, a beautiful black sand beach surrounded by lush rainforests.

• Starting Point: Grand Rivière Village
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N3 and D10 roads to Grand Rivière. Parking is available in the village.
• Trail Length: 7 kilometers (one-way)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Trail Type: Point-to-point
• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, secluded coves

Insider Tip: Arrange transportation back from Anse Couleuvre or be prepared for the return hike. The beach is ideal for a post-hike swim.

10. Canal des Esclaves – A Walk Through History

The Canal des Esclaves, also known as Canal de Beauregard, is a historic trail that follows an 18th-century aqueduct built by enslaved Africans. This moderate hike offers beautiful views of Martinique’s interior, following the narrow path alongside the canal. You’ll trek through tropical vegetation and enjoy peaceful scenery, all while reflecting on the island’s poignant history.

• Starting Point: Fond Saint-Denis
• How to Get There: From Fort-de-France, take the N3 to Fond Saint-Denis. The trailhead is located near the village, with parking available.
• Trail Length: 4 kilometers (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Highlights: Historical aqueduct, rainforest scenery, mountain views

Insider Tip: The trail can be narrow and slippery in places, so proceed with caution and wear proper footwear for stability.

Whether you’re tackling the volcanic heights of Mount Pelée or strolling along the beaches of Les Salines, Martinique’s hiking trails offer something for every type of adventurer.