Description  

Calibishie is home to the white sand beaches of Batibou, Hampstead, Hodges, Point Baptiste, Turtle and Woodford Hill. But other options are available inland with walks to discover freshwater rivers, waterfalls and the dense tropical forest, the various birds and its exuberant vegetation. Ecotourism attractions in Calibishie include visiting Red Rocks, biking, diving and river bathing, among others. 

The north central area of Dominica, where this Park is located, was formed several thousand years ago by various lava and ash flows, creating one of the oldest volcanic massifs on the island. In addition, the volcanic cones of Morne Diablotin and Morne Au Diable dominate the topography of the north of the island. 

Thus, in order to protect the populations of the imperial amazon (Amazona imperialis), the national bird also called Sisserou, and the red-necked amazon (Amazona arausiaca) present in this area, the Morne Diablotin National Park was created in 2000. 

It covers an area of 3,335 hectares and is the second largest on the island (the first being Morne Trois Pitons National Park with its 6,879 hectares). 

Rich in its forest diversity, it is the place where the Toulaman River is born, which crosses the island and flows into the sea in the northeast. The island’s longest and deepest River Layou also originates there and flows into the central west coast. 

It actually comprises parts of the hydrographic basins of 12 rivers, four of which supply water to the inhabitants, farmers and industrialists of the north of the island. 

 
Biodiversity

Most of the vegetation is represented by the tropical forest, the mountain forest and the pygmy forests located in height. Neanthe bella palms (Chamaedorea elegans), ferns, and other rainforest vegetation cover the floor of these forests. 

The pygmy forest is dense at the top of Morne Diablotin and is home to a dominant population of kaklin (Clusia mangle) where sierran palm (Prestoea montana), some ferns and other trees make their way. 

A little further down, the forest is mountainous and humid (rain forest). This is the home of the two emblematic parrots, but also of the blue-headed hummingbird (Riccordia bicolor) endemic to Dominica and Martinique. 

In addition, two species of thoroughwort endemic of Le Morne live there, the Chromolaena impetiolaris and the Chromolaena macrodon.

Ecotourism

Despite its wide and slightly sloping base, the last 600 meters of Morne Diablotin rises steeply on all sides, so there is only one set route to reach the top. This trail starts on the northwest side of the mountain. The ascent to the summit lasts 6 hours (round trip). 

A shorter walk (2 h, round trip) is also possible in the Park; this allows you to reach a waterfall: Syndicate Falls (or Milton Falls) and with a bit of luck meet the parrots that nest in these forests. 

The Waitikubuli National Trail passes through the park (trail 10). This begins in the village of Colihaut and ends with the Syndicate waterfall hike. 

The park is very popular among bird watchers, who can enjoy the rare and endemic species that inhabit this mountain. 

Hikers who venture to the top of Morne Diablotin will be rewarded, weather permitting, with panoramic views of the island’s other southern mountains: Trois pitons, Micotrin, Watt, Anglais, Plat pays en ligne, and Martinique in the background. 

Looking north you can see the Cabrits National Park and its peninsula.