Tobago Forest Reserve

The Tobago Forest Reserve comprises much of the interior of the island, where the steep, rain forest slopes of the main ridge offer an abundance of hiking, swimming and wildlife-watching opportunities. The region became a preserve in 1764, making it the oldest protected rain forest in the western hemisphere. The rain forest is thought to be home to anywhere from 12 to 16 Caribbean mammal species, along with 24 non-poisonous snakes, and more than 200 bird species of birds, including the rare and endemic white-tailed sabre-wing hummingbird. The reserve has numerous marked trails, and visitors can enjoy either guided or self-guided hikes. Join a guided hike along Gilpin Trace, the first trail to connect Roxborough and Bloody Bay, and get a local’s eye view of medicinal plants, tropical flowers and exotic birds.

Practical Info

The Tobago Forest Reserve comprises nearly 10,000 acres of Tobago’s interior mountains. A single road cuts through the preserve, from Roxborough to Bloody Bay. To drive into the preserve takes around 20 minutes from either Speyside or Scarborough. With a variety of marked trails, it is possible to hike on your own.