CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia CommonsHike· Martinique· Windward Islands
Route de la Trace and Pitons du Carbet Hike
14° 41.9′ N · 61° 6.8′ W
The RN3 'Route de la Trace' winds 29 km from Fort-de-France to Morne-Rouge through the rainforest of the Pitons du Carbet, a cluster of volcanic andesite peaks older than Pelée, with trailheads for the Trace des Jésuites and the summit climbs.
Practical
Wikipedia: the road passes Balata and through the Deux Choux tunnel, named after the old paths that start from it, the best known being the Trace des Jésuites. The highest peak is Piton Lacroix (1,197 m), with Morne Piquet (1,160 m), Piton Dumauzé (1,112 m) and Piton de l'Alma (1,107 m). Position is Piton Lacroix (OSM). OSM maps the Aire d'Accueil de l'Alma picnic area and Canyon de l'Alma on the road, and Trace des Jésuites information points. Martinique tourism describes thick rainforest of tree ferns, anthuriums, heliconias and bamboo. Summit trails are steep, muddy and often in cloud; go with a guide from the hiking committee and start early. You will need a car or tour from Fort-de-France or Schœlcher.
Best for
A rainforest day inland, the green contrast to the beaches
Nearby
- Jardin de Balata2.1 NM away
- Case-Pilote Church and Village3.5 NM away
- Case-Pilote Anchorage and Harbour3.7 NM away
- Le Shell's (Case-Pilote)3.7 NM away
- Inboard Diesel Service (Case-Pilote)3.8 NM away
- Distillerie Neisson (Le Carbet)3.9 NM away
- L'Effet Mer (Le Carbet)3.9 NM away
- Le Petibonum (Le Carbet)3.9 NM away