Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Hiking Trail
Dry Waterfall Nature Trail
A moderate forest trek to Montserrat's hidden dry waterfall, through blooming heliconias and the island's cocoa history.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 3.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate · One short steep climb · Age 12+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Soldier Ghaut → the dry waterfall (same trailhead as the Petroglyphs hike)
The Experience
A forest trek to the hidden waterfall
The Dry Waterfall Nature Trail is one of Montserrat's loveliest walks — a moderate three-and-a-half-hour trek up through lush green forest to a sheer rock face that becomes a hundred-foot waterfall after the rains. It is the only trail with a retraceable track, and there is one short, steep stretch — about seven minutes of real climbing — before the forest opens up around you.
It is at its most beautiful in spring, when the heliconias, our national flower, are in full colourful bloom. Keep your eyes and ears open for the Montserrat Oriole and for crayfish, mountain mullets, and river gobies in the forest stream, and along the way I tell you about cocoa, one of the island's old trading crops. Hike between December and April and you may even see the cocoa pods themselves.
5 on TripAdvisor
“Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience Montserrat's wildlife. Scriber's knowledge of the island is second to none. Orioles, hummingbirds, tarantulas — whatever floats your boat, Scriber can find it for you!”— Emma C.
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
The hidden waterfall
Reach the sheer rock face that becomes a 100-foot waterfall after the rains.
A blaze of heliconias
In spring the trail blooms with the colourful heliconia, Montserrat's national flower.
Orioles and crayfish
Watch and listen for the rare Montserrat Oriole, and for crayfish in the forest stream.
Montserrat's cocoa story
Learn about one of the island's old trading crops, and spot cocoa pods from December to April.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Meet and set off
Meet Scriber at the trailhead — the same start as the Petroglyphs hike. Transport can be arranged for an additional fee — just request a return pickup in your booking notes or message us on WhatsApp. Or you can drive yourself.
Stop 2
Into the forest
Walk up through lush green forest, with Scriber naming the plants, the birds, and the cocoa as you go.
Stop 3
The steep climb
Tackle the short, steep incline — about seven minutes — with the help of the trail's retraceable track.
Stop 4
Through Soldier Ghaut
Pick your way along the rocky ghaut, with cliffs rising on either side. Careful footing is needed.
Stop 5
The dry waterfall
Reach the towering rock face — a 100-foot waterfall after heavy rain, and the trail's namesake.
Stop 6
The walk back
Return through the forest the way you came, at an easy pace.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The guided trek to the dry waterfall and back
- Plant, bird, and cocoa-history knowledge throughout
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Refreshments
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Closed shoes with good grip (the ghaut is rocky and slippery), plus long trousers and sleeves.
Bring
Water, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Fitness
Moderate, with one short steep climb and careful footing through the ghaut. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Weather
The ghaut can be slippery, especially after rain, so we take care. The waterfall only runs after heavy rain — December to April is the prettiest time to go.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A moderate forest trek to the hidden dry waterfall. December to April is the most beautiful time, when the forest is at its greenest. Transport can be purchased when you book (up to 4 persons) — contact us for larger groups or any questions.
Secure your spot online — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Booking 5 or more? Message us for group pricing.
FAQ
Answers at a glance
Continue the journey
More ways to discover the island
3.5 hrs · Free cancel 24 hrs