Morne Trois Pitons National Park

By Patrick Totty

Dominica’s Steep Volcanic Park Earns World Heritage Status  

Unlike most other Caribbean islands, with their expanses of flat beaches and low hills, Dominica presents a hulking silhouette to approaching travelers. The 289-square-mile island in the Lesser Antilles, is dominated by several volcanic peaks soaring more than 4,000 feet. As a result, Dominica is characterized by precipitous slopes, deeply incised valleys, leaping waterfalls, fast-running streams, fumaroles and hot springs.

In the southern part of the island, the Dominicans have set aside a 17,000-acre preserve dominated by three volcanic peaks, called the Morne Trois Pitons. This area of luxuriant tropical rainforest and stark volcanic highlands was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

Other features of the park include two lesser volcanic peaks, freshwater lakes and a “boiling lake,” heated by the island’s dormant vulcanism. Among the Lesser Antilles islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is considered to have the greatest biodiversity, a large portion of which is protected in Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Dominica itself, because of its rugged terrain, is a paradise for visitors who relish more rugged pursuits, such as hiking and climbing. Morne Trois Pitons is a worthy goal for travelers who would like to bring home tales of a slightly different Caribbean adventure.