The Jesuit Trace and its bath in the river

Welcome to the town of Fond Saint-Denis, located in the North Island near Mount Pelee. An observatory (Morne des Cadets) was built in particular to monitor volcanic activity. This town, away, is connected to the municipalities of Fort-de-France and Saint-Pierre by “the Route de la Trace” which has many treasures (hiking, baths in the river with the reception area of Alma and waterfalls). Here is one of the treasures of the municipality of Fond Saint-Denis, the Jesuit Trace hike and its “water hole“.

The Jesuit Trace hike takes you into a hydrophilic forest and takes you to the “Waterhole” beautiful and a magic place for a river swim .. The trail is accessible to all the family and is 11 kilometers (round trip) with a round-trip time of 4 to 5 hours. You will have a positive elevation gain of 680 m with beautiful climbs to climb in the forest. On the way back, the climb will be faster and less steep. If you are several, choose to put a vehicle on each side of the hike to avoid the return.*

Itinerary

To access this hike, join the A1 and then the D41 to exit at Balata (N3). This road also called Balata road will take you to the heights of Martinique with many bends. You will see as you go hydrophilic vegetation that will be more and more lush and dense around you. You will have to drive a good half hour to the reception area of Alma then continue on the road to the Trace (still the N3 towards Morne Rouge) you will see on your right a car park, starting the hike. It takes 45 minutes to an hour drive from the Balata exit.

Parking and starting point of the hike

Trace des Jésuites

You will not have too much trouble parking if you start hiking early in the morning. By mid-morning, the car park can fill up quickly enough for adventurers who like walking in the forest.

starting point of the article

Other starting point and finish of the article

Be ready Arm your tennis shoes and take the path that starts near the information board.

The path climbs slightly towards a first point of view on Mount Pelée, a small carbet with a table is even arranged there to picnic.

After enjoying the view, continue your way to see in the distance, another panel of information and awareness of the biodiversity of flora and fauna of Martinique

It is from this panel that you plunge little by little in the dense and lush hydrophilic forest, composed of tall trees, ferns and lianas.

You will see a color code on the trees and rocks to guide you during this hike.

The trail continues with a long descent to the Lorrain River. Watch out for slips and trees across the path (fallen especially during the last hurricanes). You will see a first river.

Take the path on your right and cross the ravine through a small wooden bridge. Here you are halfway through the hike

After crossing the river, the trail heads to your left along the Lorrain River. You will arrive in front of a direction sign

Other hikes intersect at this place, including the Circuit de Sainte-Cécile that I will make you discover in my adventures. Continue along the path on the right where you will discover a suspension bridge over the river.

You can choose to cross the river on foot (not recommended in case of bad weather) or to use the suspension bridge taking care of the holes created in the nets following to the last floods.

On the other side of the suspension bridge, take the opportunity to make a stop along the river to the “water hole“. Take on your left after the bridge and you just have to follow the river by the bank to reach a magnificent panorama between vegetation, streaming water and majestic rocks.

 «  the water hole »

Click on this link for a first video preview of the “Troud’eau” on our Facebook page.

You can cool off before starting the second half of the hike.

Retrace your steps, at the bridge, go straight to walk along the river. The path climbs slowly then becomes harder afterwards. It will take you about an hour to climb through the forest. Many reclining trees may be across your path and pay attention the way may be slippery.

The end of your getaway ends on a gentle meadow with the end of a staircase announcing the end of the hike.

At the top of the stairs, return yourself to see a new splendid view of Mount Pelee.

After a short break to hydrate and have a snack, for the bravest, it is time to leave to do the way back and return to the parking from the starting point.

It’s up to you to walk and enjoy again the vegetation and the numerous views of the surrounding hills.

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OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide

The Dom Loisirs and Culture team is committed to raising awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the overseas departments.