Bel Ombre trail: from the Gorges to the cane fields

The Bel Ombre trail is effectively a forest road: it starts just past the Black River Gorges viewpoint on the Plaine Champagne road and winds down for about 12 km through some of the island's best native forest, then the sugar cane of Bel Ombre, to the south coast. Breaks in the trees open onto the lagoon and the coast far below.

Walked downhill it's long but easy (4–5 hours). The catch is the car: arrange a taxi back up to Plaine Champagne, or have someone drop you at the top and pick you up in Bel Ombre.

• Native forest and endemic birds
• Views over the south coast
• Downhill all the way

Trail map

Traced on the Bel Ombre forest track (OpenStreetMap).

Trail traced on OpenStreetMap paths: check the signs on the ground, and take the OSM or an offline map app (Organic Maps, maps.me) with you.

What to expect on this walk

📍 Where it starts

On the Plaine Champagne road, just past the Black River Gorges viewpoint towards Pétrin: a barrier and a wide track on the right.

🧭 The route

A wide forest track descending gently through native forest (endemic birds, rare trees), with breaks opening onto the south coast; then cane fields and estate roads down to Bel Ombre near the coast.

🪨 Terrain

Wide dirt and gravel track; muddy patches after rain.

👁️ Views

Glimpses of the south coast and the lagoon on the way down.

🔁 Loop?

One way (downhill).

🦟 Insects

Mosquitoes in the forest.

💧 Water

None on the way: 2 litres each and lunch.

👥 Crowds

Very quiet.

📶 Phone signal

None in the middle of the forest.

🎒 Bring

Comfortable shoes · 1.5 litres of water each · Hat and sunscreen · Mosquito repellent · Snack · Light rain jacket

1. Start near the Gorges viewpoint
2. Bel Ombre

Getting there

Tips

• 💡 Download the track before you go: there's no signal in the middle.
• 💡 It's a long day: start by 8:00 and carry lunch.