vermont nature trail

Like all the tourist places we visited on St Vincent Vermont is cheap to get in and has basic amenities. The walk was tougher than we envisaged especially in the afternoon heat. There are lots and lots of steps. It was definitely worth it was we saw the rare St Vincent Parrots. Take plenty of water and wear good footwear as it was muddy in parts.

The drive up the winding bumpy roads in a small minibus was exciting with good views of St Vincent villages on the way. The walk up to 1000 feet was peaceful and our guide told us interesting facts about the trees we passed such as nutmeg. He also produced fruits, berries and seeds and showed us how mimosa leaves closed when touched. We saw a variety of birds including humming birds but not the endemic St Vincent parrot although we heard one from the viewing platform. Felt like this was the real island. A good balance to the more developing parts of the island.

We had a special time hiking for two hours through the trail. It is well maintained, preserved and filled with flowering tropical plants in such abundance. It was a highlight of our Caribbean holiday. It really is a unique place and if you love nature, hiking and wildlife it is a must do and see. Quiet, peaceful and away from the buzz of the ports.

Unspoilt and beautiful nature, wonderful and special place with helpful staff at the visitor centre, a must see

If you're an adventurous type, I would definitely recommend this to you. The walk is quite long! But, it can we very relaxing. Usually on the trail it is so quiet you can hear the birds chatting with each other. There are little rest areas with benches if you get tired along the way (like me!) Overall its a great walk :)

This trail is about 20-30 minutes away from Kingstown by car/taxi. When we arrived there was no one there ie no office open, no staff, no guide or any one to give you information. However we just followed the trail ourselves. It was a 2 mile hike up through rain forest. Very sweaty work, but well worth it ! If you do this walk, take your own water as there is no where to buy any refreshments if the office is closed.

The trail provides an opportunity to see the endangered St Vincent Parrot in its natural habitat. There is a 500 foot climb from the car park to the viewing platform - steep, narrow and winding in places with exposed tree roots which make walking treacherous at times. But well worth it for the opportunity to see a variety of trees and plants, a few birds, and (eventually) several of the rare parrots flying over and calling. Go with a local guide to make the best of the trip.

Entrance fee 5 EC$ per Person. Trail in good condition, many steps. Benches with lovely views at the parrot lookout. We did not see parrots and very few other birds. Walking time 2 hours.

While a Peace Corps Volunteer on St Vincent (1985-87) I helped develop the trail. We tried to make it shorter, but the terrain dictated the length which I'm happy to hear sounds manageable. Please donate if you go to help keep it up. Thanks to Brian Johnson and the many other Vincentian forest guards and workers who made the trail a reality.

The trail starts near the top of Buccament Valley.A small kiosk selling snacks and cold drinks marks the beginning of this trail. The first few hundred yards are level and provide sightings of forest edge flora and fauna including Cattle Egrets and, in the roof of a small, open sided shelter, colonies of paper wasps (Polistes sp) and a beautiful Saint Vincent's Tree Anole. After crossing the river the steps begin - they are uneven and slippery when wet - a walking staff is justifiably recommended by the locals. This is a demanding walk that leads high into the hills where there is a platform (also slippery) from which the lucky visitor might see the endemic St Vincent Parrot. Other birds to note are Black Hawk, Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped Green Tanager and Green Heron.Opening hours are from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.No glass bottles, no smoking and no loud music are permitted on the site.Stout footwear is recommended and the usual suggestion that long-sleeved shirts and long trousers afford some protection in the rainforest although the trail is wide enough to avoid brushing against the thornier palms.

This place is full of green lust, the island is volcanic, it it very hilly, but you just want more as you are out enjoying the beauty of this hike.

A fairly easy loop trail thru nice forest with a few very large trees. Part is near pretty small creek. Parrots especially in higher elevation. Visitor center has minimal exhibits. Snack bar with cold drinks, snacks, T-shirts.

One of the best nature trails visited. You need to be reasonably fit as there are many steep steps uphill for the first half and downhill thereafter. Can be slippery after rain. Very beautiful, and well managed. Plenty of signs en route. Takes about 90mins - or longer ! Recommended, but take appropriate shoes.

When I first arrive in St Vincent, coming from the winter cold of Canada, this one of the first excursions I make. It's easy to get to. The dollar bus takes you all the way to Vermont. Being a rain forest everything is lush and green, the trees huge... everything very different from a Canadian winter. It's a very civilized trail, with information signs here and there. I usually see parrots and I almost always hear their "sqwak" in the trees. Downstream in Buccament at the mouth of the river, it is a semi dessert with cactuses, so it's a pretty interesting valley biologically.

4 of us took a taxi from p&o azura cruise ship to the vermont nature trail , arrived at info/reception office,had short introduction speech by helpful staff, [give a donation for park upkeep etc] then went on hike, fairly easy physically,took about 1 hr 45 mins. for best bird watching you need to go early or late,but this is not poss when coming from cruise ship.maybe if you want to see rare parrots etc, disembark as early as poss.we saw a v large butterfly,humming birds,good flora variety.we then continued in taxi at dinner time for afternoon at buccamont bay beach-this was a very nice spot in front of buccamont bay resort[voted best in caribbean 2012]. we used the beach in front of resort but could not use facilities or get drinks.we had taken drinks & ham sands. from brekkers on ship, good job we did.this is really a beautiful spot for sun and sea and together with vermont hike made the best day we had on the cruise.well recommended.