This small but very picturesque Caribbean island is really ideal for both hiking and biking. Biking is a particularly convenient way to get around: it’s the best way to see some of the smaller villages, and there are good bike trails that cross the landscape of Nevis. Hiking paths are found in even more places all over the island, on flatter, hilly, or even mountainous terrain.
St. Kitts and Nevis are among the Caribbean’s finest destinations for eco-tourism. Both islands possess a remarkable range of unspoiled ecosystems, from coral reefs and windswept rocky coastlines to the lush density of rare oceanic rainforests among the clouds. On St. Kitts, a rugged hiking adventure up Mount Liamuiga takes you through the exotic flora and fauna of the island’s rainforest to the mile-wide crater rim of this dormant volcano. Among the vine-laden trees and tropical wildflowers of the misty cloudforest can be found a wide variety of rare and colorful birds and butterflies, as well as the elusive green vervet monkey. On Nevis, wander through the cloudforest that encircles the slopes of Nevis Peak, or ramble along the windswept eastern coast to learn about the island’s diverse ecology and fascinating archaeological history.
TRAILS:
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Eco-Rambles 869-469-2091
Heb’s Nature Tours 869-469-3512
Upper Round Road
Sunrise Tours 869-469-2758
Herbert’s Heights Village Experience 869) 469 2856
The Golden Rock Nature Trail
MOUNTAIN BIKING:
The sport of mountain biking is probably the fastest growing new sport in the Caribbean. Nevis is no exception. Though only a small island, Nevis offers an abundance of trails and tracks to suit all levels of fitness and ability. For the more casual rider, there are endless cultural and historic sites to visit.
Historically the slopes of Nevis were littered with plantation houses and fields of cane, all interconnected by three “ring” roads and their tributary cane trails. The legacy of this bygone era is a multitude of tracks and trails that criss-cross the entire island.
The lower “ring” road has mostly fallen into the sea, but enough remains to give visitors a taste of how things were. With a trail that sweeps out through Bath village, following the coast as far as Saddle hill, the middle “ring” road is now the island’s main thoroughfare. The upper “ring” road is still being developed, and remains as newly charted territory.
Guests may choose to go on a guided tour or to rent mountain bikes and helmets and venture out on their own.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS:
A ride through Nevis history! This entry level ride takes in the old plantation trails that traversed the villages of Newcastle and Camps, with emphasis on the sugar industry and the remaining buildings and artifacts. The tour climbs to an elevation of about 550 feet through Mt. Lily and into Fountain Village for a refreshment break. The ride then descends through Garner’s Estate on one of the island’s oldest stone roads, where the views provide wonderful photo opportunities. Last riders go past Cottle church, stopping to look at the ruins of wind and steam sugar mills.
The ride lasts 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The cost is $75 per person plus taxi fare. There is a minimum of 4 persons. Please ask your reservation agent to make these arrangements.
Cycling is easy on Nevis. Much of the main road is flat, unless you are staying up on the mountain, and most of the road has recently been improved and resurfaced. The road does not have a separate bike lane, but it’s not as narrow as on many islands, and does not carry a lot of traffic. There is a bike rental company on the island that has a wide range of equipment and offers a lot of different guided tours. You can simply rent the equipment and get advice there, but they also have what you might need for repairs. The bike rental company can help you learn about the old Estate roads, and they can tell you about hazards for mountain bikers (watch out for mother goats). The website is www.bikenevis.com .
Becca Briley 
Becca Briley
