Men's Journal

THE WAITUKUBULI NATIONAL TRAIL

Hike to a Volcanic Hot Spring

Deserted tropical islands are generally weak candidates for long-distance hiking. The Caribbean’s volcanic eco-wonderland, though — Dominica, in the Lesser Antilles — aims to change all that with the ambitious new Waitukubuli National Trail.

Starting at Scotts Head peninsula, a mecca for snorkeling and scuba diving, the trail is composed of 14 sections, running 115 miles south-north, bisecting the length of the island. Much of the trail follows existing 200-year-old walking paths of the Kalinago Caribs, as well as slave routes to sugar plantations. Along the way you’ll pass villages where locals offer you everything from cold beer to homestays to B&Bs (though you’d do well to pack a tent for some of the trail’s undeveloped segments later in the journey).

Still, the hospitality can’t compete with the natural wonders: Just off a short spur trail is Dominica’s boiling volcanic lake, the second largest in the world; there’s also the 200-foot Trafalgar Waterfalls, emerald swimming holes, deep gorges, primordial rain forests, steep mountain views, and vivid purple-and-green Sisserou parrots. Ten to 14 days later you’ll finish at Cabrits National Park amid the ruins of an 18th-century garrison.

No visitor has hiked the entire through-route yet — it won’t be completed until next year — but if you don’t have a full two weeks, it’s easy to abbreviate (visit dominica.dm for more information). — Sarah Rose

Trip Planner (click on the map at left for a larger view)

Walking the Walk: Even though the trail is not yet officially open (a godsend for the truly adventurous), Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours offers guided tours of one section and hikes to the Boiling Lake and Trafalgar Waterfalls (from $35; khattstours.com). The outfitter is located in the capital city of Roseau on the southwest coast, to which you can fly from Puerto Rico.

Hot Water: There are few sandy beaches here, but at pebbly Champagne Beach you can snorkel right up to the volcanic activity as sulfur bubbles circle up from the seafloor in warm crystal-clear waters (from $37; 767-448-2638). Back on land, stay at one of the private cottages at Jungle Bay Resort and Spa (from $179; junglebaydominica.com).