Montana Trail
Iguane des Petites Antilles (Iguana delicatissima)
Iguane des Petites Antilles (Iguana delicatissima) - CD971
La Desirade

Montana Trail

Geology
Cultural and architectural heritage
Agricultural landscape
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Located in the north east of the island, this trail owes its name to the ship 'Montana' which was wrecked off the lighthouse. On its coastal section, the trail runs along, the geological nature reserve. It also leads to the former weather station, whose 'Streamline Moderne' architecture recalls the works of Ali Tur, as well as to the lighthouse and the ruins of a cotton farm, near which an exhibition explains the geological history.

11 points of interest

  • Table d'interprétation
    Table d'interprétation - CD 971
    Information board

    Explanatory panel

    An explanatory panel describes the species (fauna and flora) which may be encountered on the trail.
  • Agave endémique des Petites Antilles
    Agave endémique des Petites Antilles - CD 971
    Flora

    Antigua Agave

    A specimens of Agave Karatto, adapted to dry, hot stony soils. Its imposing flower stalk announces the end of the plant's life.
  • Parc éolien
    Parc éolien - CD 971
    Summit

    Wind Farm

    View of the wind farm on the mountain plateau overlooking the trail.
  • Mapou gris
    Mapou gris - CD 971
    Flora

    Gray Mapou (birdcatcher tree)

    Specimen of Mapou Gray, Pisonia subcordata. Its branches lean in the direction of the prevailing winds.
  • Carbet de la Pointe Mancenillier
    Carbet de la Pointe Mancenillier - CD 971
    Area of relaxation

    Carbet

    This carbet invites you to take a break while enjoying the ocean panorama from the Pointe Mancenillier.
  • Patchwork rocailleux
    Patchwork rocailleux - CD 971
    Geology

    Rocky patchwork

    This conglomeration of rocks of various types testifies to the geological character of the remarkable La Désirade.
  • Ancienne station météo (façade Est)
    Ancienne station météo (façade Est) - CD 971
    Cultural and architectural heritage

    Former weather station

    View of the abandoned weather station, whose Art Deco architecture was inspired by the work of Ali Tur.
  • Phare de la Désirade
    Phare de la Désirade - CD 971
    Cultural and architectural heritage

    Lighthouse

    Lighthouse of la Désirade.
  • panneaux explicatifs
    panneaux explicatifs - CD 971
    Cultural and architectural heritage

    Ruins of the old cotton farm

    The site which was once home to a cotton farm and a leper colony now offers a exhibition tracing the geological history of la Désirade through information panels, as well as a rest area which has calmly been taken over by a group of iguanas.
  • Cimetière marin
    Cimetière marin - CD 971
    Cultural and architectural heritage

    Marine cemetery

    Last resting place, lulled by the tides.
  • Fleur de frangipanier
    Fleur de frangipanier - CD 971
    Flora

    Frangipani

    Frangipani flower, Plumeria.

Description

Starting from the 'trace' entry sign, follow the waymarkers which lead up to Pointe Mancenillier. On reaching the coast, on the edge of the geological nature reserve, turn right, taking care on the stony trail leading towards Pointe Doublé.Then, after the weather station, reach the road which passes the lighthouse, the former cotton farm and the marine cemetery, to return to the start.
  • Towns crossed : La Desirade

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Trail cleared following Hurricane MARIA.
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Trail mainly open; be sure to hydrate regularly.
Slippery passages on the stones: wear hiking shoes.
Beware of the manchineel trees (every part is poisonous).

Information desks

"Beausejour", capitainerie, 97127 Désirade

http://www.mairie-ladesirade.fr/tourisme-tourismomt.desirade@gmail.com05 90 84 61 39

Transport

Bus service from the port with Karulis.

Access and parking

Starting point : Lat : 16,33052°N - Long : 61,01702°W.
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From the marine port, follow the D207 as far as Baie-Mahault school.

Parking :

Beside "Baie-Mahault" school.

More information

Source

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