Hiking & Waterfalls
Main Ridge Forest Reserve
A breathtaking tangle of ancient rainforest covers nearly two-thirds of the island’s mountainous spine and is the place to head to for its wildest scenery. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the western hemisphere’s oldest legally protected forest – it was established by the British in 1776. Deep within this untouched rainforest are winding paths, crashing waterfalls, rugged peaks and heart-pumping bike tracks to explore.
Waterfalls
The Argyle Falls is the most publicized waterfall in Tobago. Encircled by lush greenery, its three pools are accessible after a 15-20 minute trek from the office. An entrance fee of TT$60 is required, and a guide is an optional, additional fee. Adventure seekers can ignore the initial cascade as its height hinders the view of the real splendor of the second and third levels. The natural rock tubs are Mother Nature’s spa for your enjoyment, and relaxation. This waterfall is clearly marked in the village of Roxborough.
First on the list is Craig Hall Waterfall, just off the Northside Road after the village of Mason Hall, and approaching Moriah. It is the most accessible waterfall with a short stair leading to the start of the trek upstream. An absolutely picturesque location; however, persons are not permitted to bathe in its pool by the Water & Sewage Authority. A tour guide is not required but necessary precautions should be exercised nonetheless.
The Castara Waterfall is ideal for beginning hikers, and family fun as it is one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island. Just opposite the Castara Government Primary School in the picturesque fishing village of Castara, the trailhead starts at the field and heads upstream for less than half a kilometer. A tour guide is not necessary but exercise necessary precautions. The natural, deep pool makes a refreshing alternative to the sea and is typically secluded for peaceful, private bathing.
The most popular trail in the Main Ridge is the Gilpin Trace trail, the former Roxborough to Bloody Bay track locals used historically prior to development. This trail follows the Bloody Bay River, that flows to Bloody Bay itself, where there are counts of several waterfalls on this trail, some with natural clay deposits giving the rocks a copper hue. The Gilpin Trace Trail is best accessed with a tour guide, especially for its birding and wildlife sightseeing opportunities. Alternatively, the large multidrop falls can be sought by starting at the river mouth in Bloody Bay, and hiking upstream for approximately 2 hours.
Best visited in the rainy season, Green Hill Waterfall resides at Easterfield Road, Mount St. George. There is a scenic park that surrounds all its levels, but due to its location bathing can be a bit difficult. A tour guide is not required but exercise necessary precautions to prevent injury or accidents.
Downstream of Craig Hall leads you to Highland Waterfall, the tallest single drop waterfall on the island of Tobago. Highland Waterfall is lesser visited due to its difficulty to locate. However, a tour guide will gladly take you there. The trek is recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers. The absolutely scenic waterfall is nestled under a canopy of trees, and its water descends into a deep pool that is ideal for a rejuvenating swim.
Like many of the waterfalls, the Main Ridge feeds this lesser-known small waterfall that is situated just upstream from the famous Englishman’s Bay. Following the stream by roughly 15-20 minutes will lead you to the smaller falls, and just beyond the climbable rocks leads you to the grandeur sight of the House River Waterfall. Although there's no space to have a dip, this waterfall acts as the perfect outdoor shower as you can just stand underneath! A tour guide is definitely required to exercise necessary precautions, prevent injury or accidents.
Just opposite Jetty Road lies the clearly defined path to one of the more popular waterfalls on the island, Parlatuvier Waterfall. A mere 3-minute walk on the flat path leads you to the first of the three pools on this waterfall. You can typically find locals bubbling a pot and having a river lime. On the leftmost side of the falls is a make-shift pathway to climb to the higher levels, with the highest level being a fairly shallow pool-less than 8 feet deep-filled with crayfish and other aquatic critters.
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Tobago that preludes another. Rainbow Waterfall can be found in Goodwood, and is situated just outside of the Rainbow Nature Resort, where a user fee may apply for use of the property. Approximately 20 minutes’ walk under the trees, in and out of shallow pools of the Goldsborough River, one can follow the natural pathways upstream to lead to the falls. According to 2013 issue of In's & Outs of Trinidad & Tobago, its name comes from Mr. Hughford McKenna, in 1974, as an actual rainbow appears on the 100-metre-high falls between the months of November and March.
Further upstream from Rainbow Waterfall is the Twin Rivers Waterfall, a definite must see once visiting Rainbow. Its name comes from the joining of two rivers you see along the scenic walk. If you are parked near the Goldsborough River, an easy hike upstream with minimal elevation for about 30 minutes will lead you to the falls. Its pool is roughly 12 feet deep, and serves as a serene, secluded site to unplug and rejuvenate. A tour guide is recommended nevertheless, and Rainbow Nature Resort offers guided tours to the falls on a daily basis.
