Fodor's Expert Review Morne Diablotin National Park
This UNESCO Heritage Site covers 8,242 acres in the northwest and is home to 4,747-foot Morne Diablotin—the highest peak in the Eastern Caribbean—which takes its name from a bird known in English as the black-capped petrel. Now extinct on the island, the bird was prized by hunters in the 18th century. Dominica is still a major birding destination, with many exotic (and endangered) species such as the green-and-purple Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis)—the National Bird of Dominica—and the smaller Jacquot, or red-neck, parrot (Amazona arausiaca). Before this national park was established, its Syndicate Nature Trail was aided by some 6,000 schoolchildren—each donating 25¢ to protect the area's habitat. The west-coast road (at the bend near Dublanc) runs through three types of forest and leads to the park. The trail offers a casual walk—just bring a sweater and binoculars—but the five- to eight-hour hike up Morne Diablotin is no walk in the park. You will... READ MORE
This UNESCO Heritage Site covers 8,242 acres in the northwest and is home to 4,747-foot Morne Diablotin—the highest peak in the Eastern Caribbean—which takes its name from a bird known in English as the black-capped petrel. Now extinct on the island, the bird was prized by hunters in the 18th century. Dominica is still a major birding destination, with many exotic (and endangered) species such as the green-and-purple Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis)—the National Bird of Dominica—and the smaller Jacquot, or red-neck, parrot (Amazona arausiaca). Before this national park was established, its Syndicate Nature Trail was aided by some 6,000 schoolchildren—each donating 25¢ to protect the area's habitat. The west-coast road (at the bend near Dublanc) runs through three types of forest and leads to the park. The trail offers a casual walk—just bring a sweater and binoculars—but the five- to eight-hour hike up Morne Diablotin is no walk in the park. You will definitely need a guide, sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing, and a backpack with refreshments and a change of clothes (including socks). Wrap all in plastic to keep them dry.
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