MONT GIMIE – SAINTE-LUCIE

Description

Mount Gimie, rising to an altitude of 950 meters, is the highest mountain in Saint Lucia. Its altitude allows visitors to enjoy many exceptional views of the island. Located in the southwestern part of the island, it is part of the central rainforest mountain range within the Pitons National Park.

The summit of Mount Gimie was formed as a result of intense volcanic activity between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago. Climbing it is only permitted in the presence of a local guide recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFFFD).

It is home to a dense and rich tropical forest, but also to the cloud forest or elf forest, a rare environment known for its high humidity.

Biodiversity

The canopy of the dense forest on Mount Gimie reaches up to 2 meters in height, but is often lower, and features a few Prestoea acuminata palm trees.

In the windiest areas of the ridges and peaks, at an altitude above 700 meters, shrub vegetation predominates.

In certain foggy and cloudy areas, there are cloud forests, also known as nebular or orophyllous forests. With high humidity, heavy rainfall, and low sunlight, few species thrive there: mainly a mixture of bromeliads, sedges, grasses, and shrubs, many of which are endemic to the Lesser Antilles.

On the western side and the sheltered eastern slopes of the mountain, there is a distinct montane zone.

Ecotourism potential

The highest point on the island, Mount Gimie offers hikers a panoramic view of the island’s east and south coasts, including the Pitons, the Maria Islands, and the Caribbean Sea. This three-hour trail, located near the Soufrière in Saint Lucia, allows you to hike in the mountains and dip your feet in the cool river water. Accessible by car from the main street of the town of Migny, the trail is considered difficult.

However, the more athletic will enjoy venturing onto this 4.7 km trail. A hiking stick, microspikes for boots, and the accompaniment of a local guide are recommended due to the winding nature of the trail and the fact that it is not always well marked. The trail crosses a tropical forest and valleys.