Hiking During The Rainy Season

Trinidad and Tobago experiences two main seasons. From January to May we experience the Dry Season while June to December brings with it the Rainy Season. The latter just so happens to fall during 'Summer time' when most people (myself included) are looking for something fun to do.

One of my personal favorite hobbies is hiking so today I'll be recommending some fun hikes to consider this rainy season along with some safety tips. Trinidad offers the perfect landscape for unique hikes from dry, mountainous hikes with incredibles views to hikes through rivers, to waterfalls and secluded beaches.

The rainy season can be confusing, with the sky switching from clear to thunderstorm in a matter of minutes and it's super important to plan your outdoor and hiking activities around the weather.

But guys! it is crucial that if on the day of your planned hike you notice the weather changing for the worst, play it safe and postpone or cancel your hikes. SAFETY FIRST!

On the topic of safety I compiled a few tips offered by Richard Lewis, founder of Caribbean Hiking Adventures. He firstly, suggests that you stay clear of river and waterfall hikes to avoid being caught in a flash flood and falling debris from the tops of waterfalls. However, if you still end up on one of these hikes here are a few things to looks out for (especially if you aren't sure if it's raining in the mountains).

Look out for increased leaves or debris floating in the river
Increased water flow
The increased sound of water flow
Discoloration of the water

These can all be signs of heavy rainfall in the distance and noticing these warning signs can save a life.

For more important safety tips check out the CHA website

Now on to the hikes! He recommends either dry hikes or hikes to secluded beaches during this season.

Dry Hikes for the Rainy Season:

Photo Creds: Lindsay Woo

Name: Plane Crash Site

Location: Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas.

About: In 1975 a twin engine Piper Aztec aircraft crashed in along the Northern Range in Macqueripe, Chaguaramas. The plane is virtually intact and remained relatively unknown until only a few years ago!

Terrain: Paved uphill road through the bamboo cathedral until it switches into a steep forested terrain along the mountainside.

Difficulty Rating: 4

Photo Creds: Kuron Seabrun

Name: Tracking Station Hike

Location: Macqueripe, Chaguaramas

About: Starting at the base at Bamboo Cathedral you begin your journey uphill to the old tracking station. It's a fairly doable hike and a fun family outing! You might even be lucky enough to spot some howler monkeys in their natural habitat

Terrain: Paved road through the bamboo cathedral as it leads up to a fairly steep hill all the way up to the tracking station where it levels off into a grassy field with a magnificent view

Difficulty Rating: 3

Photo Creds: Richard Lewis

Name: The Pines

Location: Mount Tabor, Northern Range.

About: This spot is referred to as the pines and is located atop the Northern Range of Trinidad near to Mount St. Benedict. Great for picnics as there is a clearing along the ridge with a magnificent view of Eastern Trinidad. There is also an old cell tower that some folks climb that offers an even more magnificent view.

Terrain: This hike is accessible via two trails. The first is shorter in length but can be a bit challenging due to its steep incline. The second is a longer trek beginning at the side of the Monastery and takes you through a tree-covered trail along the ridge of the mountain. The view is incredible regardless of which route you choose

Difficulty: 5 and 3

Name: The Mud Volcano

Location: Bunsee Trace, Penal, South Trinidad.

About: This site is home to one of many mud volcanoes in Trinidad. Here visitors can soak in the natural mud baths, enjoy a picnic or even take a stroll down to the nearby beach.

Terrain: Mud trail accessible by car up to a point then you have to continue on foot through a muddy track with garden scenery on either side

Difficulty: 3