Hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities in Montserrat. There are numerous foot paths that crisscross the island, many of which have been in use for centuries by persons seeking access to distant villages and agricultural land. There is opportunity for hikes of varying difficulty, length, and scenery.
DISTANCES & DURATIONS OF TRAIL SEGMENTS
Durations listed are average times only – be sure to leave plenty of time to complete your journey before nightfall. All trails are one-way unless otherwise noted. Remember to arrange transportation at the end of any one-way hikes unless you plan to walk back to where you started.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
moderate grade, generally even terrain
some portions with steep grade, some uneven terrain
generally steep grades, uneven terrain, long and steady climb
very steep grades, very uneven terrain, rocky, slippery when wet
Persons are advised to hire a trail guide, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Guides and hiking tours can be booked at:
Montserrat National Trust
+1 664 491 3086
Visit website
Scriber’s Adventures
+1 664 492 2943
Visit website
This is a strenuous section of trail connecting the agricultural lands at Upper Blakes to a narrow upland saddle. It twists, ascends and descends several times, crossing and then rising up the rocky ghaut of Big River before a steep ascent to the eastern ridge approach to Katy Hill.
This trail follows a series of steep climbs and descents through a lush portion of the Centre hills, including a formerly active agricultural village known as Underwood. There are two sections, east and west. Both are often done together, or you can shorten the journey by exiting the forest via the Underwood trail which bisects the eastern and western portions of the Blackwood Allen near the half-way point.
This trail is often wet and slippery with dramatic cliffs rising on either side. There are several moderate gullies to cross, and some of the trail climbs directly 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.
This can be done on its own or serve as connector between The Cot and the Oriole Walkway trails. 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.
One has three options from which to start and end this hiking trail. You can start at MVO, The Cot, or Oriole Walkway. This trail takes you into the heart of the Centre hills. It takes you to Elfin Forest at Baker Hill Mountain. Cloud forest, elevations of 2300ft, nice panoramic views, prime forest vegetation. Only for fit Avid hikers.
Many people make the return journey up and down Jack Boy Hill, however those seeking a longer and even more strenuous experience may also continue on from the summit to Katy Hill and points beyond.
The trail begins just above the Jack Boy Hill Visitor Centre and rises steeply up the western slope of Jack Boy Hill. There are several opportunities to look towards the Tar River Valley in the southeast. From the summit, unless you are planning to continue on to Katy Hill, turn and retrace your steps along the same path that you ascended.
Connecting Barzeys to the Blackwood Allen trail, this offers a short hike through former agricultural lands and enters the dense forest. Although affording 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 on the Blackwood Allen and end your hike elsewhere. Enjoy panoramic views of Montserrat’s eastern regions.
This is a trail system where you will definitely need a guide, as the trail becomes quickly overgrown due to almost constant moisture and it is easy to lose one’s way. Note also that it is easy to become lost or disoriented high up in the fog that is often present at the summit. Hikers should be prepared for a very strenuous experience, as well as mud and moisture in the Katy Hill cloud forest. Be sure to pack snacks and plenty of water to keep your energy up. There are several route options to choose from.
This is the most popular hiking trail in Montserrat. With a guide, you are very likely to see and/or hear the national bird from this trail. 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.
Take a modest hike to Rendezvous Bay, where wonderful swimming and snorkeling opportunities await you at Montserrat’s only white-sand beach. Use the same trail to go and return, which originates behind the concrete block company 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. Water, a hat and sunscreen are advised, as there is very little tree cover. Although this is a moderate hike, there are some dangerous parts and you should take extra precautions.
The trail begins just south of the National Trust on an unpaved road heading uphill. The path winds up a gentle slope broken occasionally by small farms. From the top follow the arrow and trail northwards through ferns and fruit trees. You will then descend to a point where you can either rejoin the main road at Runaway Ghaut or a short walk southward to the National Trust.
Connecting Barzeys to the Blackwood Allen trail, this offers a short hike through former agricultural lands and enters the dense forest. Although affording 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 on the Blackwood Allen and end your hike elsewhere.
From Baker Hill, the first part of this trail rises moderately, traversing dense forest. Farther along to the east approaching Katy Hill, the terrain becomes steeper and more uneven with a very challenging final ascent to Katy Hill’s northern summit.
Royal Montserrat Police Force
999 or +1 664 491 2555
Disaster Management Coordinating Agency (DMCA)
+1 664 491 7166
In the event of accident or injury, health clinics are open between 8am – 4pm weekdays and are located in:
Cudjoe Head: +1 664 491 5258
Salem: +1 664 491 5256
St. John’s: +1 664 491 5218
St. Peter’s: +1 664 491 5436
The Glendon Hospital Casualty Department in St. John’s is open 24 hours a day.
+1 664 491 2552
Montserrat boasts a wide variety of plants and wildlife, several of which can be found nowhere else in the world. An experienced trail guide will be able to point out many of these unique species to you. Depending on your location and the trail’s elevation, you will encounter many different forest types, from drier and scrubbier vegetation in the lowlands to wet tropical rain forest at higher elevations. The tops of the tallest peaks, such as the challenging Katy Hill, are home to rare elfin woodland.
There are numerous orchid species in Montserrat, including one found nowhere else in the world – Epidendrum Montserratense. Many species of trees have long been a source of traditional value to Montserratians including the national tree (“Hairy Mango”), national flower (Heliconia), banana, cassava, cocoa, mammy apple, and many others.
Keep an eye and ear out for one of the 100+ bird species found in Montserrat, including humming birds, the forest thrush, or the national bird – the critically endangered Montserrat Oriole. Along the ground or in the trees, you might be fortunate to see one of our thirteen species of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Mountain Chicken (the world’s second-largest frog), the harmless Montserrat black snake, tree frog, Dwarf Gecko, or perhaps the highly elusive Galliwasp Lizard. Montserrat is also home to ten species of native bats, though you are not likely to encounter any of these in the daytime!
There are hundreds of species of insects around, including many colourful butterflies and beetles. Generally hikers are not bothered by insects, but the occasional mosquito, ant, or gnat can be warded off with insect repellent.