Freshwater and Boeri Lakes can both be reached on a half day hike from the village of Laudat.
A new concrete road was recently opened to Freshwater Lake and to a parking area just beyond, from where the 45 minute trail to Boeri Lake commences. Freshwater Lake is at an altitude of approx. 2,500 feet. It's level was raised a little by a dam built by Dominica's electricity company, from where water is piped to a series of hydro stations below the park, in the Roseau Valley to the west.
Boeri Lake is an old volcanic crater, at the even higher elevation of 3,000 ft. above sea level. With low clouds drifting constanly accross it, you could just as easily be in the Scottish highlands. The outflow of water from Boeri Lake feeds into Freshwater Lake. These lakes may also be reached via a hiking trail from the village of Grand Fond, accessed from the east coast at Rosalie.
Boiling Lake is a must for the avid hiker.
This 7 mile trail from the village of Laudat is an all day affair on which you must employ a qualified guide. The trail climbs and descends through forested highlands, via Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and the Valley of Desolation. Be prepared, as the weather can change suddenly at these altitudes. Best time of year to enjoy this hike is March/ April/ May, when there is characteristically less rainfall.
Middleham Falls, Dominica
Middleham Falls is our highest (300 ft.) and most spectacular waterfall, which takes approx. 1 hour to reach from either Providence (near to Laudat), where the road ends beyond the village of Cochrane, via Tou Santi (stinking hole), or from Sylvania.
Emerald Pool is in the extreme north of the park, in the centre of the island. This is accessed from the Castle Bruce road, not far from the T junction off the Pond Casse/ Rosalie road, where you will find a recently completed visitor centre and covered stalls selling local crafts. A fairly short, gentle and well tended trail leads through the forest to the Emerald Pool below a small waterfall in the shade of the forest canopy - a beautiful spot if you are alone, but to be avoided on cruise ship days! A viewpoint on the return trail overlooks a forested valley, where Jacquot (Red- Necked) Parrots may often be seen (and heard!) in flight, just above the canopy.
Morne Trois Pitons (4,672ft) summit trail also commences from a point off the Pond Casse/ Rosalie road, not far from the Pond Casse roundabout. This trail is seldom used and is not well maintained - watch out for Razorgrass, which has a triangular stem and can climb and grow very long - the dark green slender blades have a surface which sticks like velcro to your skin and scratches if you pull away! Allow a minimum of 3 hours each way and remember it is usually dark by about 7.00pm.
Morne Watt (4,017ft.) trail commences from the village of Wotton Waven, on the southern rim of the Roseau Valley. This trail is also seldom used and it is recommended that a guide be employed. Allow 4 hours each way.
Morne Anglais (3,683ft.) is accessed from the village of Giraudel, reached via a steep and winding loop road from the west coastal road just south of Roseau. The lower part of the trail passes through some gardens and plantations. It is a steep climb to the summit, cloaked in elfin woodland, which offers truly magnificent views of the western coastline. Allow a minimum of 2 hours each way.
Other sites of outstanding natural beauty, bordering the park, include:
Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Sulphur Springs, Sari-Sari Falls, Victoria Falls.
The new Rainforest Arial Tramway, located near Titou Gorge, began operating on October 1st. 2003.
