Vermont Nature Trail
Vermont Nature Trail
Vermont Nature Trail
4.5
About
The Vermont Nature Trail takes you through lush rainforest with an amazing variety of tropical flora,beautiful scenery and a chance to see the famous St. Vincent Parrot in its natural habitat. Majestic cliffs reach for the sky, giving way to sweeping valleys. Ambient temperatures and abundant rainfall give rise to profusion in the growth of vegetation. The trail is in the picturesque Buccament valley within the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve and the more encompassing proposed Central Forest Reserve.
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Edit K
Budapest, Hungary115 contributions
Jan 2020
beautiful nature. easy to go alone dont pay for organized tour. you spend only few bucks per head.
you can take a minivan to Vermont village from Kingstown, and walk from there. just ask the people on the street, they tell you where to search for the "bus terminal"
its a half day activity. bring water and some snacks with you.
it is a loop trail so it does not matter which direction you start. can be slippery after rain so hiking shoes or sandals recommended. otherwise is an easy walk not to demanding if you are in good physical condition. 3 hours to count approx.
luckily we did not met many ppl on the way, somehow we managed to avoid the cruise crowed. I loved it. also to sit down in the shade and just listen. we could not see the famous parrots but still it was a great experience.
you can take a minivan to Vermont village from Kingstown, and walk from there. just ask the people on the street, they tell you where to search for the "bus terminal"
its a half day activity. bring water and some snacks with you.
it is a loop trail so it does not matter which direction you start. can be slippery after rain so hiking shoes or sandals recommended. otherwise is an easy walk not to demanding if you are in good physical condition. 3 hours to count approx.
luckily we did not met many ppl on the way, somehow we managed to avoid the cruise crowed. I loved it. also to sit down in the shade and just listen. we could not see the famous parrots but still it was a great experience.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grizzly1102
8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We had booked a tour with "Vincy Dove Tours" in advance for our cruise in March 2024.
It was a great day. In a small group (7 people), we first visited the Vermont Nature Trail (a beautiful circular hiking trail through the rainforest). After a short stop at Wallilabou Heritage Park, we continued to Wallilabou Bay (a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean) and at the end we had 2 hours left at Buccament Beach.
We saw and experienced a lot that day. The time available was used optimally.
From booking to execution, everything went great and without any problems. We were picked up on time and were back on the ship in good time.
It was a great day. In a small group (7 people), we first visited the Vermont Nature Trail (a beautiful circular hiking trail through the rainforest). After a short stop at Wallilabou Heritage Park, we continued to Wallilabou Bay (a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean) and at the end we had 2 hours left at Buccament Beach.
We saw and experienced a lot that day. The time available was used optimally.
From booking to execution, everything went great and without any problems. We were picked up on time and were back on the ship in good time.
Written 9 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFW
92 contributions
Mar 2022
Four of us hiked the ~2 mile route in about 2 hours. There were 30 informational markers pointing out different areas of interest along the trail. We'd hoped to see some of their seclusive parrots, but don't think we did. (We saw a pair of what we THINK were parrots, very high up and flying fast.) We did hear a lot of their squawking in the higher elevations. If you go, take plenty of water, as there's a bit of elevation to climb. Wear some decent shoes, to handle the muddy and / or steep sections. It was interesting to learn the different tid-bits at the placards along the trail.
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trudy S
West Springfield, VA3 contributions
Mar 2020
We went on an excursion March 2 to the Vermont Nature Trail. There were 2 buses- 45 people in all with only 2 guides. That was entirely too many people for a safe and informative hike. The guide in front climbed very quickly and only about 15 people were able to keep up with him. Some people in front of us fell behind and we could not pass because the trail is narrow muddy and steep. We were so far behind we could only hear them in the distance, not see them. After a while some people started coming back saying we were only half way up to Parrot platform and that he told them we were going to be going back the same way we came up, so they were going back. At least 20 people behind our group had already dropped out and went back. We were told by one person who passed us at one point that the other guide who took the others back said it was a circle and the way down was not as steep. So, those of us in the middle continued on. We finally go to the top and there were less than 20 of us in all that had gotten that far. We said we wanted to continue on the less steep path, but the guide said we didn’t have time and we had to go back the steep path. This was very dangerous. I really didn’t get to enjoy seeing the beautiful rainforest because we had to watch every single muddy step in order not to slip down the mountain. This is not a trail for speed walking! I’m sure it would have been a lovely experience if we would have had the time to look around and enjoy it. This is why I cannot give a good rating for this excursion.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane H
27 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We took a taxi in from our hotel in Arnos Vale to the trail. When we reached the trail office,There was only one guide available, Kian. There was no conversation about our fitness or what we were interested in before setting off. The route up the trail he chose was a steep muddy climb, very slippery and needing all your concentration. We were hoping to experience the bird life and Kian wasn't able to tell us any of the bird species and didn't point out any interesting flora or fauna. He wasn't unfriendly but he also wasn't a guide! We are fit people in our sixties but found the route he took us challenging going. There must have been some paths more suited to the wet going and very hot day!
This is a huge missed opportunity for St Vincent. We have had brilliant bird watching experiences on other islands and we would have been happy to pay for a prebooked tour with a proper guide, but our hotel did not have details of any organised trips with a qualified guide. Had we been informed that the best time to go was early morning we could have taken that into account.
Our experience was ultimately disappointing and we both just felt relieved to have completed the ascent and descent in one piece!
This is a huge missed opportunity for St Vincent. We have had brilliant bird watching experiences on other islands and we would have been happy to pay for a prebooked tour with a proper guide, but our hotel did not have details of any organised trips with a qualified guide. Had we been informed that the best time to go was early morning we could have taken that into account.
Our experience was ultimately disappointing and we both just felt relieved to have completed the ascent and descent in one piece!
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blaine D
Groveland, FL67 contributions
Dec 2019
This was a shore excursion booked on the ship so I have no idea how to get there. But once we got there it was beautiful. The hike is mostly rough terrain in a rain forest. There is about a 400 elevation change. Not for those that have trouble walking up rough terrain. Bug repellent is a must.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas O
Canterbury, England, United Kingdom22 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
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.
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.
Written 27 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveling_smiles
Longmont, CO477 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
While on our visit to St. Vincent we were among the tour group, including children, that witnessed the killing of orca during a dolphin & whale watching excursion. You don't recover from that. While the government has put legislation forward to change the whaling practices I cannot recommend this island to anyone until the laws are officially changed.
As for the Vermont Nature Trail it was fairly difficult with a lot of up & down, a lot of stairs, and some steep drop offs near the trail's edge. The people at the information center were quite surprised we were trying it at all with young children and based on the visitor log we may have been the only people there that day. It seemed much longer than 2 miles and took us around 2 hours. There are informational placards along the route and being in the forest is peaceful and beautiful. Only one of us was able to spot a parrot pair flying above but we all heard the birds throughout.
From the cruise terminal it was expensive ($120) to take a taxi to this trailhead and there is a fee (around $5 per person) due at the information center.
As for the Vermont Nature Trail it was fairly difficult with a lot of up & down, a lot of stairs, and some steep drop offs near the trail's edge. The people at the information center were quite surprised we were trying it at all with young children and based on the visitor log we may have been the only people there that day. It seemed much longer than 2 miles and took us around 2 hours. There are informational placards along the route and being in the forest is peaceful and beautiful. Only one of us was able to spot a parrot pair flying above but we all heard the birds throughout.
From the cruise terminal it was expensive ($120) to take a taxi to this trailhead and there is a fee (around $5 per person) due at the information center.
Written 11 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
Guelph, Canada38 contributions
Feb 2013 • Solo
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.
Written 9 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our site, we are happy that you enjoyed our hike, hope you will come again soon.
Written 29 August 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lyndajoMn
Martinique56 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
This is about a 2 mile circle hike into a rainforest-type environment. I felt like I was Avatar (the movie). Amazing trees, there are about 25 or so signs on the trail that explain the area you are looking at. The 2nd half of the trail takes you through the older part of the forest where about 500 parrots live. If you are lucky enough, you might see them. We didn't, but we heard one squawking VERY close to us, and it flew around still squawking. Definitely would recommend this hike on this beautiful island (St. Vincent)
Written 23 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our site, we are pleased that you enjoyed the hike. come again soon.
Written 26 August 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline S
Logan, Utah
Aloha, Just wondering if you might still have an email for this guide or company.
This hike looks beautiful.
Be Well.
Thanks. Caroline
Written 17 December 2018
I was wondering how difficult this path is. We've heard of uphills and uneven paths, we would like to have some furthwr information about it (altitude difference, etc...).
Lookin' forward to hearing from you
Written 5 November 2017
The trail is approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) long, and winds through lush primary and secondary rainforest and plantations. The trail ascends to the lookout and offers great hiking for all ages and abilities. It has some areas of uphill but there are stairs and clear path ways.
Written 7 November 2017
If wive on a cruise ship what is the best way to get to the Vermont Nature Trail? Cost?
Written 22 February 2016
We were on a cruise ship tour in December 17. If you want to get there on your own without booking an official tour in advance you have to take a taxi. The official taxi price according to the price list near the cruise ship terminal is 120 US $. It is hard to find a taxi which wants to take only two persons and to wait for them while they visit the trail. We found a taxi driver at the exit of the Botanic Garden to take us there for 100 US$. He was really kind and helpful and he brought us back to the cruise ship terminal.
Written 9 February 2018
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