la soufriere cross country trail

Its a very long hike up and a great work out once you have your water bottles you cant go wrong once you reach the top the view a just amazing , if your not careful the wind would blow you away for such , coming down could be a little challenging but once you have a good stands you can make it .

This is a long hike, most of it uphill, but it's awesome when you see the volcano at the top. Don't forget the water.

Go in the dry season. It is also advised to go with a guide which Richmond Vale will provide. The hike is several hours in duration, so make sure you take food and water.

An amazing rewarding walk, excellent views and great experience of climbing down into the volcano. For that reason I am scoring it a 5 as we really wouldn't have missed doing it. We hiked from the Richmond Vale Academy/ Hiking Centre up the Leeward trail, we are told this is a longer more strenuous trail (perhaps 9 miles each way the guide told us?), but I really do feel that the government/ national parks should do more to maintain it. There are a few fallen down signs put there 10 years or so ago but little or no maintenance since with the paths severely overgrown. For this reason it is probably difficult to do without a guide for your first hike as you just can't be certain if you are on the right path and it could slow you down somewhat. I don't think much is needed as part of the enjoyment is the authenticity of the varied trails and terrain it just needs a little upkeep, personally I would rather pay a park entrance fee for upkeep and conservation than for a guide (but that might just be us).We did it with Franklin the guide from the Richmond Vale centre (we were his 282nd climb!), it was $65 US per person (this includes $10 discount as we stayed there with lunch, snacks and water included). It was a really hot day and we probably could have done with more water than 2 litres per person but Franklin got us some mangoes on the way down to get some natural juice. And also we did the walk down into the volcano which shouldn't be missed. We took rain jackets which we didn't need as there was no rain and to be honest we didn't find it that cold at the top, perhaps a better option would have been a spare top as you sweat so much! Also I found that my legs and arms got cut quite a lot due to the overgrowth but I don't think I could have coped in the heat with long trousers/ sleeves but something perhaps to think about. Remember the mozzie repellant too!

yup theres a spot up there called elfinland, its mystic vortex up there, a bit of a hike but path is good make sure you have good strong comfy walking shoes and a rain jacket it can get pretty cold up there and may rain anytime, charge your camera battery.

I had visited La Soufriere last year, 2013. It is forest and almost 4-5 km walking in forest. We were in group of 20 people, we enjoyed. I was last to reach on the top, but after that i was very happy. Regarding way to volcano its all forest, there is one good stay after walking of 1 hour. Its river there, good place for rest. Than again walking and climbing, At one place there is stone and you have to very carefully, last 30 minutes were completely stone and you have to be careful. Best of luck for hiker. I not prefer to go again.

This a site for the Nature enthusiast. If you want to explore nature in a tropical rainforest whiles getting possibly the best cardio workout that could make Shaun T's "insanity" look like child's play, just try hiking up this sleep beast of a Volcano. Oh and don't forget, you can try running it. LOL. The view at the top is simple spectacular, its more than worth the trip up. You get to see both the windward and leeward sides of the island and an awesome view of the crater. I have been up the trial for about 9 times now, and I know I will make a few more.Its a lovely place to carry a group of friends who are visiting. I would however recommend that you do a trip like this, with some days after to spear. You will need some rest and recovery time.

This is a must do thing. Full stop. What you need to know:1) you do need a guide as the trail at places is not very safe and things happen, be safe.2) at the top it is much cooler, have something warm with you. 3) no matter how tired you are, ask your guide to take you inside of the crater, where there's a lake. You've come so far, you don't want to miss it; it's stunning. 4) everybody can do it. It may take you a bit longer, but you will get there, just take your time. Happy volcano climbing!

The ACTIVE volcano can be seen in the distance from many areas of St Vincent, dominating the skyline in a shroud of mist. If you want to climb to the crater, it is an arduous walk of about 4 hours taking a couple of hours to complete in sweaty humid conditions, so take water and a hat at the very least. It is worth it to look down 700 feet from the rim into the abyss of sulphur fumes and hissing steam. You could be looking into hell!The air smells different and the vegetation is much greener. The view is amazing. Unfortunately my camera battery was flat, but I have a brochure keepsake Charge your cameras!. I think the volcano was last active around 1979, but it is well monitored and eruptions are preceded by advance warnings so you will be fine!

Something memoriable on my 50th Birthday - climb a volcano. We made it to the rim of the crater in 1hour 45, guide book said it would take 2hr 30min. we had a young local guide, but there was a path the whole way. 1hour 15min back. loved it! such different vegetation, tropical rain forest & tree ferns.

A strenuous hike well worth the trip. Experience distinct ecosystems as you climb, from tropical rain forest, mountaine forests, and elfin woodland into the clouds! As you reach the higher elevations, tree ferns and bromeliads abound. The large caldera is magnificent with the volcanic plug from its 1979 eruption prominently located within. This will count as one of your lifetime memorable hikes.

Best to do as part of a tour. You are taken by minibus to the base of the trail and the guide that we had was very knowledgeable about the area and looked out for all members of the group, adapting the pace accordingly. For us it was a hard three hour climb to the edge of the crater where the view was stunning both of the crater itself and the surrounding mountains, forest and sea. Fortunately the descent was much easier and quicker and was followed by an excellent meal in a local creole restaurant .

Not an easy walk, but worthwhile the view when we got to the top. There is a track most of the way up, but near the top it turns into a scramble up the rocks. Friends of ours went a few weeks before and got a guide, they advised us that there was no need to get a guide. This was true, there was only one path up and we could take it at our own pace without a guide. We found getting there quite difficult, we caught a bus to Georgetown, but only managed to get to the foot of the volcano through the kindness of a lady who happened to see us wondering, but many resorts can arrange tours for you! A very pretty walk, definitely something to do if on the island!

Hard work would be an understatement. Even the youngsters were finding it tough as we passed them on their way up, when we were coming down. The views from the top were stunning. Our guides were Hudson and Halford, two local 'likely lads' who wore flip flops but would have been equally at home barefoot.

The turn-off at the windward Highway is clearly signposted. Drive 3 miles to the end of the road and find a large carpark, ranger Office, and restrooms (closed when we were there). The trail is in good condition, lots of steps. The last ca. 20 minutes are stony and rough, however. Arrive at the vertical abyss (no fence) and enjoy a breathtaking view into the surprisingly big crater with its Little lake. At Age 67 and with Little Training, the walk took us 2 hours one-way. Younger People made it in 1 1/2 hours.