Embarking on the Mt. Pimard Nature Trail hike is one of the coolest adventures in the scenic town of Gros Islet, St. Lucia. If you’re vacationing in Rodney Bay or other surrounding areas in Gros Islet, it’s one of the activites you can add to your itinarary of things to do. Many visitors choose to hike Mount Pimard for its challenge and amazing views. In fact I’ve completed this amazing hike a few times with my Airbnb guests who were looking for an adventure.
In this post, I will take you on a virtual hike with me, sharing my experience from a recent hike I did with some friends on St. Lucia’s Independence Day Holiday.
Hitting the Mount Pimard Hiking Trail at Sunrise
We started the hike before 6 am, just before sunrise. It’s the best time to go. You’ll get to experience the magical sunrise and enjoy cooler temperatures before the sun gets too hot.
Breathtaking Views from Halfway Up
The first part of the trail is a breeze. It’s a wide, open track that allows you to drive up to the halfway point if your legs aren’t feeling up for it! Reaching the Mount Pimard overlook at the halfway mark, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of a secluded beach nestled between mountains, with calm, turquoise water lapping at the shore. This spot is also perfect for capturing stunning panoramic photos – so get your camera ready! There’s a little viewing area where you can relax and take in the scenery before tackling the more challenging part of the hike.
After taking in the beautiful view and snapping some panoramic photos, we were ready to tackle the more challenging section of the hike that awaited us.
A Touch of History
Speaking of challenges, just before the second section, you might come across one of the old military ruins that can be seen along the hike. Pretty cool, right? Mount Pimard has a bit of history!
A Surprising Discovery
A surprising discovery awaits you further along the hike – a large pond teeming with fish! This natural wonder, filled with rainwater, sits unexpectedly in the heart of the mountain. If you have any snacks on hand, feel free to toss the fish a bit of food.
Reaching the Summit: The Reward
The final stretch to the summit gets steeper, and at some points, you’ll need to use ropes to navigate certain sections. Don’t worry, it’s not super difficult – even my adventurous 7-year-old son had a blast! He loved the challenge.
Once you clear that section, it’s a pretty steady climb to the top through trees and rocks. By the time you reach the summit, you might be feeling a bit winded, but trust me, the view is worth it!
From the top, you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of the Rodney Bay area. We got there just in time for sunrise, and the views were incredible – Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay Village, all sprawled out below. You can even see as far as the Carbot Golf Course and the island of Martinique in the distance!
There might be other hikers at the top when you get there, especially early in the morning. It’s a popular spot! But that just adds to the atmosphere.
Feeling accomplished and ready to soak in the view, we took a moment to appreciate the breathtaking panorama.
Capture the Moment!
No Mount Pimard hike is complete without capturing those amazing views. Make sure you have your camera or phone with you to snap some selfies or videos for social media. You’ll be the envy of all your friends back home!
Getting Ready for Your Mount Pimard Hike: Conquering the Mountain Like a Pro
Find the Mount Pimard Hiking Trail on Google Maps
So you’re pumped to conquer Mount Pimard? Awesome choice! Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your hike is a blast.
Reaching the Trailhead: Getting to the Mount Pimard starting point is a breeze. If you’re staying in Rodney Bay, you can grab a taxi or rent a car and follow the signs. The first part of the trail is actually an open track, so some folks even opt to drive halfway up if their legs aren’t quite ready for a full-on climb (hey, no judgment here!).
Packing Like a Champ: Before you set off, make sure you’ve got your essential supplies:
- Sturdy Shoes: This one’s a no-brainer. The terrain can get rocky, so shoes with good grip are key to keeping you sure-footed.
- Hydration Hero: Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. Remember, it can get hot in St. Lucia, so plan accordingly.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent to keep those pesky rays and bugs at bay.
- Capture the Moment: Bring your camera or phone to capture the Mount Pimard trail photos and the epic panoramic views from the summit. Trust me, you’ll want to remember this!
Choosing Your Timing:
- Sunrise Seeker: Aim for an early morning hike to beat the heat and witness the magical sunrise over the island. Plus, the cooler temperatures will make the climb more enjoyable.
- Late Afternoon Adventurer: If early mornings aren’t your thing, a late afternoon hike offers beautiful scenery and cooler temps as well.
Gearing Up with a Guide (Optional):
Having a guide is not mandatory, but they can definitely enrich your experience. Local companies offer guided hikes that can provide historical insights about the island and Mount Pimard itself.
Can Kids Do This Hike?
While the initial part of the trail is easy, the steeper sections with ropes might be challenging for younger children. My adventurous 7 year old son enjoyed the hike, but it’s important to assess your child’s abilities before attempting this climb.
Bonus Tip: Consider your fitness level and experience when choosing your footwear and planning your hike. The initial part of the trail is easy, but the final stretch can be challenging.
Now that you’re prepped and ready, it’s time to lace up your shoes and embark on your Mount Pimard adventure! Remember, the feeling of accomplishment at the summit, coupled with those breathtaking views, is totally worth the climb.
Wrap Up and Recommendations
The Mount Pimard scenic hike is an unforgettable adventure that combines physical challenge, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of history. The feeling of accomplishment at the summit, coupled with the panoramic views, makes this hike a must-do for any nature enthusiast visiting St. Lucia.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious adventurer, Mount Pimard offers a rewarding experience for all. So lace up your shoes, pack your essentials, and get ready to conquer this St. Lucian gem!
Bonus Tip: Reduit Beach actually starts at the foot of Mount Pimard. After your hike, you can take the path that land you directly at the start of Reduit Beach, sometimes referred to as Papillon Beach. Here, you can relax on the soft sand, rent a beach chair, and take a refreshing dip in the calm, early morning waters of Rodney Bay. Many visitors choose to do this and enjoy the beach for a while before heading back home, to their Airbnb, or back to their hotel.
Damian is a co-founder, editor, and author at Islanderkeys. He is also a dedicated father and husband. Damian is an IT Manager / Web developer by profession, but he loves to Blog and share his knowledge about St. Lucia in travel forums.
