Vermont Nature Trail
Vermont Nature Trail
4.5
About
The Vermont Nature Trail takes you through lush rainforest with an amazing variety of tropical flora,beautiful scenery and a chance to see the famous St. Vincent Parrot in its natural habitat. Majestic cliffs reach for the sky, giving way to sweeping valleys. Ambient temperatures and abundant rainfall give rise to profusion in the growth of vegetation. The trail is in the picturesque Buccament valley within the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve and the more encompassing proposed Central Forest Reserve.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Vermont Nature Trail and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4 within 3 miles
Attractions
17 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
75 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
25
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Trudy S
West Springfield, VA3 contributions
Mar 2020
We went on an excursion March 2 to the Vermont Nature Trail. There were 2 buses- 45 people in all with only 2 guides. That was entirely too many people for a safe and informative hike. The guide in front climbed very quickly and only about 15 people were able to keep up with him. Some people in front of us fell behind and we could not pass because the trail is narrow muddy and steep. We were so far behind we could only hear them in the distance, not see them. After a while some people started coming back saying we were only half way up to Parrot platform and that he told them we were going to be going back the same way we came up, so they were going back. At least 20 people behind our group had already dropped out and went back. We were told by one person who passed us at one point that the other guide who took the others back said it was a circle and the way down was not as steep. So, those of us in the middle continued on. We finally go to the top and there were less than 20 of us in all that had gotten that far. We said we wanted to continue on the less steep path, but the guide said we didn’t have time and we had to go back the steep path. This was very dangerous. I really didn’t get to enjoy seeing the beautiful rainforest because we had to watch every single muddy step in order not to slip down the mountain. This is not a trail for speed walking! I’m sure it would have been a lovely experience if we would have had the time to look around and enjoy it. This is why I cannot give a good rating for this excursion.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane H
27 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We took a taxi in from our hotel in Arnos Vale to the trail. When we reached the trail office,There was only one guide available, Kian. There was no conversation about our fitness or what we were interested in before setting off. The route up the trail he chose was a steep muddy climb, very slippery and needing all your concentration. We were hoping to experience the bird life and Kian wasn't able to tell us any of the bird species and didn't point out any interesting flora or fauna. He wasn't unfriendly but he also wasn't a guide! We are fit people in our sixties but found the route he took us challenging going. There must have been some paths more suited to the wet going and very hot day!
This is a huge missed opportunity for St Vincent. We have had brilliant bird watching experiences on other islands and we would have been happy to pay for a prebooked tour with a proper guide, but our hotel did not have details of any organised trips with a qualified guide. Had we been informed that the best time to go was early morning we could have taken that into account.
Our experience was ultimately disappointing and we both just felt relieved to have completed the ascent and descent in one piece!
This is a huge missed opportunity for St Vincent. We have had brilliant bird watching experiences on other islands and we would have been happy to pay for a prebooked tour with a proper guide, but our hotel did not have details of any organised trips with a qualified guide. Had we been informed that the best time to go was early morning we could have taken that into account.
Our experience was ultimately disappointing and we both just felt relieved to have completed the ascent and descent in one piece!
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montanapescado
Albuquerque, NM1,575 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This is one stunningly beautiful rain forest! The amount and variety of vegetation is just incredible and varies as you make the long and sometimes strenuous and sketchy (especially when muddy, which is most of the time) climb. But it's all oh, so very worth it! We were a little disappointed not to glimpse any of the local parrots, but everything else was so fantastic, we didn't much care.
Written December 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blaine D
Groveland, FL66 contributions
Dec 2019
This was a shore excursion booked on the ship so I have no idea how to get there. But once we got there it was beautiful. The hike is mostly rough terrain in a rain forest. There is about a 400 elevation change. Not for those that have trouble walking up rough terrain. Bug repellent is a must.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas O
Canterbury, England, United Kingdom22 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
The trail starts near the top of Buccament Valley.
A small kiosk selling snacks and cold drinks marks the beginning of this trail.
The first few hundred yards are level and provide sightings of forest edge flora and fauna including Cattle Egrets and, in the roof of a small, open sided shelter, colonies of paper wasps (Polistes sp) and a beautiful Saint Vincent's Tree Anole. After crossing the river the steps begin - they are uneven and slippery when wet - a walking staff is justifiably recommended by the locals. This is a demanding walk that leads high into the hills where there is a platform (also slippery) from which the lucky visitor might see the endemic St Vincent Parrot. Other birds to note are Black Hawk, Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped Green Tanager and Green Heron.
Opening hours are from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
No glass bottles, no smoking and no loud music are permitted on the site.
Stout footwear is recommended and the usual suggestion that long-sleeved shirts and long trousers afford some protection in the rainforest although the trail is wide enough to avoid brushing against the thornier palms.
A small kiosk selling snacks and cold drinks marks the beginning of this trail.
The first few hundred yards are level and provide sightings of forest edge flora and fauna including Cattle Egrets and, in the roof of a small, open sided shelter, colonies of paper wasps (Polistes sp) and a beautiful Saint Vincent's Tree Anole. After crossing the river the steps begin - they are uneven and slippery when wet - a walking staff is justifiably recommended by the locals. This is a demanding walk that leads high into the hills where there is a platform (also slippery) from which the lucky visitor might see the endemic St Vincent Parrot. Other birds to note are Black Hawk, Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped Green Tanager and Green Heron.
Opening hours are from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
No glass bottles, no smoking and no loud music are permitted on the site.
Stout footwear is recommended and the usual suggestion that long-sleeved shirts and long trousers afford some protection in the rainforest although the trail is wide enough to avoid brushing against the thornier palms.
Written August 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveling_smiles
Longmont, CO475 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
While on our visit to St. Vincent we were among the tour group, including children, that witnessed the killing of orca during a dolphin & whale watching excursion. You don't recover from that. While the government has put legislation forward to change the whaling practices I cannot recommend this island to anyone until the laws are officially changed.
As for the Vermont Nature Trail it was fairly difficult with a lot of up & down, a lot of stairs, and some steep drop offs near the trail's edge. The people at the information center were quite surprised we were trying it at all with young children and based on the visitor log we may have been the only people there that day. It seemed much longer than 2 miles and took us around 2 hours. There are informational placards along the route and being in the forest is peaceful and beautiful. Only one of us was able to spot a parrot pair flying above but we all heard the birds throughout.
From the cruise terminal it was expensive ($120) to take a taxi to this trailhead and there is a fee (around $5 per person) due at the information center.
As for the Vermont Nature Trail it was fairly difficult with a lot of up & down, a lot of stairs, and some steep drop offs near the trail's edge. The people at the information center were quite surprised we were trying it at all with young children and based on the visitor log we may have been the only people there that day. It seemed much longer than 2 miles and took us around 2 hours. There are informational placards along the route and being in the forest is peaceful and beautiful. Only one of us was able to spot a parrot pair flying above but we all heard the birds throughout.
From the cruise terminal it was expensive ($120) to take a taxi to this trailhead and there is a fee (around $5 per person) due at the information center.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
Guelph, Canada38 contributions
Feb 2013 • Solo
When I first arrive in St Vincent, coming from the winter cold of Canada, this one of the first excursions I make. It's easy to get to. The dollar bus takes you all the way to Vermont. Being a rain forest everything is lush and green, the trees huge... everything very different from a Canadian winter. It's a very civilized trail, with information signs here and there. I usually see parrots and I almost always hear their "sqwak" in the trees. Downstream in Buccament at the mouth of the river, it is a semi dessert with cactuses, so it's a pretty interesting valley biologically.
Written March 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our site, we are happy that you enjoyed our hike, hope you will come again soon.
Written August 29, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lyndajoMn
Martinique56 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
This is about a 2 mile circle hike into a rainforest-type environment. I felt like I was Avatar (the movie). Amazing trees, there are about 25 or so signs on the trail that explain the area you are looking at. The 2nd half of the trail takes you through the older part of the forest where about 500 parrots live. If you are lucky enough, you might see them. We didn't, but we heard one squawking VERY close to us, and it flew around still squawking. Definitely would recommend this hike on this beautiful island (St. Vincent)
Written March 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our site, we are pleased that you enjoyed the hike. come again soon.
Written August 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bomdia23
Washington DC, DC28 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
While a Peace Corps Volunteer on St Vincent (1985-87) I helped develop the trail. We tried to make it shorter, but the terrain dictated the length which I'm happy to hear sounds manageable. Please donate if you go to help keep it up. Thanks to Brian Johnson and the many other Vincentian forest guards and workers who made the trail a reality.
Written September 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your assistance in helping with the development of the trail, we are happy that you managed to gave a helping hand and also assisting to make this trail a reality along with others. Thank you again and hope you can come and enjoy the trail.
Written October 5, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
buxtonred
Tasmania, Australia120 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Great trail, nice and easy to follow. It is through the forest, so there is some damp spots, but anyone who has done any waking before will find it on the easy level.
Cool spot to watch for the St vincent parrot, we saw 5.
We got the local van from Kingstown, $6 ec for us both.
It was $5ec each to enter, which you pay when you reach the entrance.
Cool spot to watch for the St vincent parrot, we saw 5.
We got the local van from Kingstown, $6 ec for us both.
It was $5ec each to enter, which you pay when you reach the entrance.
Written March 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive review and for visiting. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit.We hope your next visit is just around the corner.
Written April 12, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline S
Logan, Utah
Aloha, Just wondering if you might still have an email for this guide or company.
This hike looks beautiful.
Be Well.
Thanks. Caroline
Written December 17, 2018
I was wondering how difficult this path is. We've heard of uphills and uneven paths, we would like to have some furthwr information about it (altitude difference, etc...).
Lookin' forward to hearing from you
Written November 5, 2017
The trail is approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) long, and winds through lush primary and secondary rainforest and plantations. The trail ascends to the lookout and offers great hiking for all ages and abilities. It has some areas of uphill but there are stairs and clear path ways.
Written November 7, 2017
If wive on a cruise ship what is the best way to get to the Vermont Nature Trail? Cost?
Written February 22, 2016
We were on a cruise ship tour in December 17. If you want to get there on your own without booking an official tour in advance you have to take a taxi. The official taxi price according to the price list near the cruise ship terminal is 120 US $. It is hard to find a taxi which wants to take only two persons and to wait for them while they visit the trail. We found a taxi driver at the exit of the Botanic Garden to take us there for 100 US$. He was really kind and helpful and he brought us back to the cruise ship terminal.
Written February 9, 2018
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing