Hiking

St. Vincent offers hikers and trekkers a choice of experiences: easy, scenic walks near Kingstown; moderately difficult nature trails in the central valleys; and exhilarating climbs through a rain forest to the rim of an active volcano. Bring a hat, long pants, and insect repellent if you plan to hike in the bush.

La Soufrière. La Soufrière, the queen of climbs, is St. Vincent's active volcano (last eruption, 1979). Approachable from either the windward or leeward coast, this is not a casual excursion for the inexperienced hiker—the massive mountain covers nearly the entire northern third of the island. Climbs take all day. You'll need stamina and sturdy shoes to reach the top (at just over 4,000 feet) and peek into the mile-wide (1½-km-wide) crater. Be sure to check the weather before you leave; hikers have been disappointed to find a cloud-obscured view at the summit. You can arrange for a guide ($25 to $30) through your hotel, the SVG Tourism Authority, or tour operators. The eastern approach is most popular. In a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you pass through Rabacca Dry River, north of Georgetown, and the Bamboo Forest; then it's a two-hour, 3½-mile (5½-km) hike to the summit. If you're approaching from the west, near Châteaubelair, the climb is longer—6 miles (10 km)—and rougher, but even more scenic. If you hike up one side and down the other, you must arrange in advance to be picked up at the end. Rabacca, St. Vincent.

Vermont Nature Trail. The hiking trail begins near the top of the Buccament Valley, 9 miles (14½ km) north of Kingstown. A 2-mile (3¼-km) loop passes through bamboo, evergreen, and rain forest. In the late afternoon you may be lucky enough to see the rare St. Vincent parrot, Amazona guildingii. The trail, which is suitable for all ages and abilities, is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm; a visitor center, washrooms, and gift shop are open between 9 am and 5 pm. Buccament, St. Vincent. 784/453–1623. $2.