Hike Nevis Peak (Up & Down) – Trail Description & Local Hiking Guides
Overview of hiking Nevis Peak trail:
- Time required: 1.5 – 4 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: 9 out of 10
- Height: Approximately 3,000 feet (900m) – Actual vertical is just over 2,000 feet (600m) as the trailhead is 985 feet (300m) above sea level.
- Distance: Approximately 4 – 5 miles (7km) return / round trip (up and down)
- Guide Required: Recommended – The trail itself, if you can find the trailhead, is fairly obvious, however a guide is valuable as they can help advise you on where to step and grab on this difficult trail. You also don’t have to worry about accidentally wandering off and getting lost on some random side-trail (see below for guides / Tours).
Nevis Peak is a dormant stratovolcano and the highest point on the island of Nevis. The trailhead is just north of the St. Georges Anglican Church in Stonyhill – About a 10-minute drive from the Charlestown Ferry Pier.
This Nevis hike starts in a nice wooded area that skirts the volcano – This is the only level ground for the duration of the hike. There is not even the slightest notion of a switchback anywhere on this trail. The path essentially consists of a series of near-vertical sections, each connected by a few feet of somewhat flat sections, only a couple of which are of any consequence. As for the plentiful near-vertical sections, they are covered in tree roots and low branches making a natural ladder of sorts to climb. There are also ropes strung from tree to tree, providing additional help as needed. There were a couple of near-vertical sections where the safety ropes are absolutely required. Full disclosure – This is a somewhat dangerous trail, with the potential for serious falls in a number of places. That said, folks in decent shape and taking the hike seriously will not have a problem.
The environment surrounding the trail is a rugged, nearly impenetrable jungle, filled with lush rainforest plants and tall trees reaching skyward in an attempt to find sunlight. The trail offers few opportunities to see much of the island through the thick green foliage, although there are a couple of spots that provide spectacular views of Nevis and the surrounding ocean below.
As the trail takes you higher up the side of the volcano, the air and flora become moist with green moss and lichen covering just about everything. Near the end of the trail, there are a few gashes in the earth that must be climbed – Likely always muddy and slick. Another example of when the ropes come in handy. Eventually, the trail ends in a little wooded area on fairly level ground, with a small clearing with a few flat rocks to sit on. The top of the volcano will likely be enveloped in mist from the near ever-present clouds, however if you’re lucky, you might get a wonderful view of the island and miles of blue sea all around! Technically, the highest spot in Nevis is another 100 meters or so across a little ridge, although as of 2022, the path to get there hadn’t been cleared for a couple of years.
The return hike is the same way as we came, although from a psychological perspective, it’s totally different. For anyone who has climbed a tall ladder to get onto the roof of a house, you know what I’m talking about – Going up a ladder is much easier than staring, then climbing down it. In this case, some sections can be covered by going backward, with your butt close to the ground, other times it’s better to just climb down facing the earth like you would on a ladder.
In summary, the Nevis Peak Trail provides a unique hiking, or rather climbing experience in an awesome tropical setting. The steep and sometimes muddy trail may not be for the faint of heart, but it is a must-hike for the avid trekker.
For a more colourful review, check out our personal Nevis hiking experience with our a hike that took my breath away Blog Post
For a guide / tour to hike Nevis Peak, these local Tour Operators will take good care of you:
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