The Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) is becoming a reality for Dominica and blazing open more trails for the visitors (and residents!) of Crescent Moon Cabins. The WNT is a 115 mile trail that covers Dominica end to end while passing through such national ecological highlights as the Boiling Lake and the Emerald Pool. It will start sea level in a fishing village, pass through historical plantations, visit the Kalinago Carib Reserve, and catch breath taking views while traversing the tallest mountains. Crescent Moon is located between two sections of the trail, the first being our “back door” access to Middleham Falls and the second a forest trail opened up to Pond Casse.

During the quiet season we have had a chance to explore some of the new trails and admire the work done on our old favorites. Three weeks ago Ron and David passed on the beginning works of the Wotten Waven to Boiling Lake section. A steep incline brought them from Wotten Waven to Mourne Prosper where they could access a newly uncovered track to the Boiling Lake. Though the trail had only been recently surveyed and not yet carved into a trail, they forged past multiple waterfalls and popped out at the intersection of the Valley of Desolation. After years of hearing you could get to the Boiling Lake this way they finally saw it for themselves!

The next weekend Jean joined them as they set off to meet the new trail from our village of Sylvania to Pond Casse. A two hour walk through Mourn Trois Pitons rainforest crossed ravines and climbed ridges. With heavily constructed bridges and well placed ropes they were able to explore a previously unseen corner of the second tallest mountain in Dominica.

With the inclusion of our favorite neighborhood hike to Middleham Falls in the WNT, we are also impressed with the improvement of the old forest trail. The development and maintenance of the track will now make it a self-guided possibility from our place.

We are excited to pioneer other segments of the trail as they become open! We welcome this ecological and culturally sustainable project for Dominica. It is a fascinating way to preserve historical connections within the island and simultaneously develop new trails and perspectives for repeat visitors to the national parks.