Hiking
The island is laced with trails, but you shouldn't attempt the more challenging ones—especially those that are deep in the rain forest—without a guide.
St. Lucia Forestry Department. Trails under this department's jurisdiction include the Barre de L'Isle Trail (just off the highway, halfway between Castries and Dennery), the Forestiere Trail (20 minutes east of Castries), the Des Cartiers Rain Forest Trail (west of Micoud), the Edmund Rain Forest Trail and Enbas Saut Waterfalls (east of Soufrière), the Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail (east of Marigot Bay), and the Union Nature Trail (north of Castries). Most are two-hour hikes on 2-mile (3-km) loop trails; the bird-watching tour lasts four hours. The Forestry Department charges $25 for access to the hiking trails ($10 for nature trails), and provides guides ($20 to $30, depending on the hike) who explain the plants and trees that you'll encounter and keep you on the right track. Seasoned hikers climb the Pitons, the two volcanic cones rising 2,461 feet and 2,619 feet from the ocean floor, just south of Soufrière. Casual hiking is recommended only on Gros Piton, which offers a steep but safe trail to the top. The first half of the hike is moderately difficult; reaching the summit is challenging and should be attempted only by those who are physically fit. The view from the top is spectacular. Tourists are also permitted to hike Petit Piton, but the second half of the hike requires a good deal of rock climbing, and you'll need to provide your own safety equipment. Hiking either Piton requires permission from the Forestry Department and a knowledgeable guide. Union Forestry Complex, Union, Castries, Castries Quarter. 758/468–5649; 758/489–0136; www.forestryeeunit.blogpost.com.
St. Lucia National Trust. Among the trust's fascinating Eco-South Tours (located in and around the southeast of Saint Lucia) are a hike through a mangrove forest, a boat trip and trek to Maria Islands Nature Reserve, a native fishing tour on a traditional pirogue, handicraft production, horseback riding, or sea moss harvesting. Pigeon Island National Landmark, Pigeon Island, Gros-Islet. 758/452–5005; 758/454--5014; slunatrust.org/tours/toureco-south-tours.
