Martinique’s Mount Pelée – L’aileron Trail Description & Local Hiking Guides
Overview of hiking Martinique – L’aileron Trail to Mount Pelée:
- Time required: 4.5 – 6.5 hours (depending on physical ability and how much time is spent at the peak)
- Degree of Difficulty: 8 out of 10
- Height: The peak of Mount Pelée is 4,583 feet (1,397m) above sea level. With the trailhead about 2,690 (820m) above sea level and the trail going up and over a number of mountaintops as well as down and up a deep gorge, the total elevation change is approximately 2,950 feet (900m).
- Distance: Just over 4 miles (7km) return via a partial loop trail
- Guide Required: No, the trail is well-marked. That said, the hiking experience is always enhanced by the knowledge of a local guide.
Located less than half an hour northeast of Sainte-Pierre close to the middle of the northern end of Martinique, the L’aileron Trail to the peak of Mount Pelée is a well-travelled path up the tallest mountain in Martinique and the 10th tallest peak in the Caribbean Islands. The trailhead is located about 10 minutes north of Le Morne-Rouge, or 20 minutes west of L’Ajoupa-Bouillon, at the end of the D39 road, off the main N3 road.
The L’Aileron Trail can essentially be divided into 3 main trail sections plus the spur trail to the peak. There are several posts/markers along the trail, over two dozen in fact, that identify where you are on the hike.
The first trail section takes the longest, as it takes you on a long steep climb up the side of the mountain to gain altitude and get near the top of the volcano. The trail starts next to a fenced-in telecom station and is a combination of partially washed-out wooden steps and areas of natural, but rocky ground. The steepness of the trail varies, with some reasonably easy gradually rising sections, while others are quite steep where you may want to use both your hands and your feet to climb upwards. Expect conditions to be a little slick, but manageable. As you gain elevation, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of northeastern Martinique and the Atlantic Ocean. It may take the better part of two hours to reach the top of this first section, eventually going up and over the peak of this mountain and then crossing a relatively flat section. At various lookout points, on a clear day, you can experience some incredible views south and southeast of the volcano – Seeing the towns of Le Morne Rouge and L’Ajoupa-Bouillon so far in the distance really provides a perspective of how big and high this mountain is.
The second section of the L’Aileron Trail starts when you pass a small shelter and the intersection with the Mount Pelée – Morne Macouba Trail, which approaches the volcano from the north. Relax and enjoy this nice ridge walk that takes you counter-clockwise around the rim of the crater known as the Caldeira. On a clear day, you can enjoy great views of the north and west side of Martinique, the Caribbean Sea, as well as down into the volcano itself. Surrounded by moist, dense vegetation, the trail has some muddy areas, gently descending while taking you up and over several rolling-hill like ridges. At the western end of this loop, the trail merges with the Mount Pelée – Grande Savane Trail, which approaches the volcano from the west, becoming very steep as it ascends this side of the volcano. After about an hour on the second section of the trail you will reach another small cement shelter on a relatively flat plateau near the top of the volcano. This is where you will find the spur trail to the highest point on Martinique. This second trail section ends after you walk up and over yet another mountaintop – This windswept area provides a unique view of Mount Pelée’s peak.
The spur trail to the actual peak is known as Le Chinois and can be a bit tricky, uncomfortable and somewhat difficult to traverse. Most of the path to the peak is a collection of big black wet boulders strewn across the landscape, many of which have fairly sharp protruding edges jutting upwards. On the plus side, the whole area is so incredibly lush and green with low-growing vegetation. The trail, which is a bit difficult to see at times, gains elevation by climbing a couple of hilltops and crossing a little gully. Eventually, you will reach the actual peak – A small flat(ish) surface composed of large grey boulders and blocks. If you are fortunate enough to be at the peak when there are few clouds, you should find the views pretty special, to say the least. There is also a more comfortable and safer viewing area on a south-facing ledge nearby. From the top of Martinique, you can experience views of the central and southern parts of the island, the Caribbean Sea and even see Saint Lucia in the distance. Depending on how long you stay at the top, this spur trail will add another hour or so to the hike.
The third main trail section is a shortcut across a deep ravine that takes you back to the first section, without going back around the crater rim. While relatively short in distance, this steep, wet, rock-strewn trail may be the most dangerous part of the entire hike. The trail plunges deep into the gorge at a near-vertical angle where you will likely want to scramble down backward, crab-like down using both your hands and feet. Attempting to walk down some of the more extreme sections of the ravine walls could easily result in a serious fall. That said, the bottom of the gorge provides a wonderful, unique view of Mount Pele’s green jungle ravine. The steep climb out of the gorge using a series of steps and ladders is much more fun and enjoyable than the descent. Once out of the ravine, you’re back where the first section of the trail ends and the second begins.
In summary, this trail is easy to find and follow, with several markers to reference as you progress. Hiking the Montagne Pelée – L’Aileron Trail provides an opportunity to experience for yourself just how mountainous and beautiful Martinique is. Relative to most other hiking trails in the Caribbean, this might be one of the busiest, where you will likely encounter dozens of other like-minded adventure seekers. Who can blame them? This is a great place to enjoy a vigorous walk in nature and take-in some incredible views! This amazing and diverse trail includes steep mountainside sections, a rolling hill-like ridge section, a challenging wet and rocky section to the peak, as well as a wild in-and-out of a ravine section. Relative to other hikes we have done in the Caribbean, this has to be one of our ‘top 5’ favourites – Very satisfying and memorable!
Note: Most online reviews recommend starting the hike as early as possible in order to reach the peak before the clouds inevitably roll in, typically before noon. That said, on our hike, we experienced an early morning filled with grey skies, mist and light rain followed by midday and early afternoon near-cloudless, sun-filled sky.
To hike Martinique’s L’aileron Trail to Mount Pelée, these local Tour Operators / Hiking Guides will take good care of you (Click on a Tour Operator below for more details):
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For a more detailed and colourful, first-hand account of hiking this trail, check out our Mount Pelée – L’aileron Trail blog post
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