Machabee Forest Loop will take you through dense forest before descending to the lip of a spectacular waterfall cascading down towards Riviere Noire. There are great views looking west towards the sea along the trail as well. It is done as a loop using the Machabee Ridge Trail and the Mare Longue Loop on either side.
Route:
- Type of trail: Loop
- Start point: Petrin Entrance to Black River Gorges.
- Length: 5.5 miles round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Lowest point: 1633ft
- Total elevation gain: 1277ft
Leave the Petrin Visitor’s Center along the main trail into the park. There are clear markers at each fork – just follow them for the Machabee Forest Loop. You will reach the junction where Machabee Ridge Trail and Mare Longue Loop diverge. Pick either direction and then a few kilometers further on the Machabee Forest Loop will diverge. Keep your eyes open. The trail from either end will descend through dense stands of Chinese Guava towards the waterfall. From either side there is a small stream before you reach the waterfall. Continue past the falls and climb back towards either of the two trails. Return to Petrin.
Thanks for fixing the link!
Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this hike with the exhilarating view from the top of the waterfall where we (carefully!) ate our picnic after a fairly steep hike through the forest. We were glad to be wearing solid shoes and carrying water.