Central Forest Reserve (The Bench) Trail in St. Kitts:
The Central Forest Reserve in St. Kitts is a lush rainforest that beckons adventure seekers. One of its popular trails is the Bench Trail, which offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and moderate challenge.
Trail Details:
Length: Approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) return, on a semi-loop trail.
Difficulty: Rated 6 out of 10.
Height: Around 1,300 feet (400 m) above sea level (actual vertical ascent is about 1,000 feet or 305 m).
Guide Recommendation: It’s advisable to have a guide. They enhance the experience by sharing insights about local flora and fauna.
Trail Experience:
The adventure begins near the ruins of the recently abandoned Sky Safari Zipline.
The narrow path winds through the jungle, following a dried-out riverbed. Small pipes alongside the trail bring clean water down to local houses and businesses.
You’ll encounter a variety of trees and plants, some with edible fruit and others with medicinal properties.
Keep an eye out for the massive locust tree, known locally as ‘stinking toes’ due to its pungent odor when cracked open.
As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper, but it’s manageable. Listen for doves and perhaps catch a glimpse of monkeys.
“The Bench” marks a partial view down into a gully, surrounded by rainforest canopy.
In summary, the Bench Trail provides a decent workout, swings you through amazing vines, and immerses you in St. Kitts’ rich rainforest. Don’t forget to bring your sense of...
Read moreThis is definitely a rainforest worth hiking! It has several trails, and though they recommend a guided tour to avoid getting lost, and learn more about your surroundings, you Can hike it by yourself. The are several forks and trails leading off trails, so unless you're Great with directions, stay close to a group. There's a zip line, an awesome smoothie hut out front, and other scenic tourist spots on location, like Wingfield Estate. The bathrooms on site cost $1usd to use and you have to get a ticket. There are several locals set up at the entrance selling souvenirs and the Batik Butterfly Garden is within walking distance. It costs $3usd, but there's no entry fee for the rainforest. You can take the local bus from downtown to the rainforest, for $2usd per person, and it takes 15-20 minutes. The bus will drop you off at the bottom of the hill on Old road and you have to hike about 3/4 mile to the rainforest entrance. Otherwise, take a...
Read moreTo find the entrance turn up the road that has a sign advertising a zip line. You'll see parking on the right above the old rum brewery. To find the trailhead, follow the main road you drove up and the road will become asphalt/rocks. Keep following this road and eventually it will narrow and become more of a typical dirt/rock trail. You will get to a trailhead sign eventually-maybe 35min to 1 hr into the hike and you'll come to signs showing the military trail and the...
Read more