Trois Crêtes from Valley of Beaugendre
Vieux-Habitants

Trois Crêtes from Valley of Beaugendre

Agricultural landscape
Mountain shelter
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Agricultural activities are quite conspicuous throughout the first part of this trail. Then, you reach la Crête Corossol, which offers some fine views ahead of the star attraction: the panoramic, 360-degree viewpoint.

7 points of interest

  • Flora

    Balisiers

    A member of the Musaceae family, Heliconia caribaea is a large grass that is typical of the Lesser Antilles tropical rainforest. A member of the same family as the banana trees, the plant can grow up to 5m high. It flowers all year round, especially between April and June. Its inflorescence resembles a red ear or red ear with yellow trim, or sometimes completely yellow.

  • Flora

    Bamboo plantations

    A member of the Poaceae family, bamboo is more closely related to grasses than to trees. Made up of a woody, hollow stalk, its stem grows extremely quickly. It is both a highly resistant and invasive species in Guadeloupe and concerted efforts are being made to put it to best use in crafts and construction.

  • Flora

    Psychotria uliginosa

    Psychotria uliginosa is a member of the Rubiaceae family. It is a rather rare plant in Guadeloupe, but can be seen in Basse Terre at Grand Etang or at Monts Caraïbes.

  • Flora

    Banana trees

    A member of the Musaceae family, banana trees are in fact giant plants, sometimes growing to around ten metres tall. It has no trunk as such, but overlapping leaves that keep it upright. It is similar to giant leek plants. It is a perennial plant with large leaves that are made up of 80% water. The flowers first point towards the sky before spreading downwards. Banana cultivation is an integral part of the economy in Guadeloupe. Its leaves are used in local handicrafts, such as in hat making.

  • Viewpoint

    Vallée de Beaugendre

    Opening on to Vallée de Beaugendre and Piton de Bouillante (1088 metres)

  • Mountain shelter

    Refuge des Trois Crêtes

    The Trois Crêtes bivouac (shelter) has room for around 10 people to sleep in the heart of the rainforest.
    It is strongly recommended that you bring your floor mat or hammock (plus fasteners), because there are only wooden bunks available on site.
    N.B. The shelters have no running water or electricity available. They are not supervised and do not include a cleaning service. Please leave them clean and tidy !

  • Viewpoint

    Show-stopping views

    The main attraction : the breathtaking views ! Panoramic, 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks.

Description

Hiking trail colour: yellow

The start of the trail is located around twenty metres below the parking area, so head back down for a short while. The sign showing the start of the trail reads "Trace Vallée Beaugendre - Grande Rivière".
The trail climbs steadily and is well marked. Be aware not to mix it up with other unofficial tracks. Head to the left of a cabin and follow the trail that goes straight into the forest. At the intersection on Crête Corossol, turn left towards the "Trois Crêtes". Walk along the ridge, paying attention to the prominent slopes. When you get to the shelter, a few metres further along the trail, the views can be magnificent on a clear day. You can sleep at the shelter or carry on with the hike towards Piton de Bouillante and the Mamelles to the north, or even join up with the Merwart or Victor Hugues trails (routes will be available online soon).
If not, turn around to return to the same route. You can also head back by la Vallée de la Grande Rivière des Vieux Habitants (see sheet "Trois Crêtes from la Vallée de la Grande Rivière").

  • Departure : Vallée de Beaugendre, Grand Camp, Vieux-Habitants
  • Arrival : Vallée de Beaugendre, Grand Camp, Vieux-Habitants
  • Towns crossed : Vieux-Habitants

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

As Guadeloupe is prone to natural risks, extra care should be taken in this natural environment. For the benefit of all hikers, responsible behaviour is very important.
Warning : the parking area is unsupervised.

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Access and parking

GPS coordinates of the start point : Lat : 16,10451 N - Long : 61,73135 W.

Road access is difficult (steep slopes and road surface in very poor condition). At the Marigot stretch of Vieux-Habitants, take the road that climbs towards "Vallée de Beaugendre" (crossroads located at the corner of the bakery, opposite the pink National Park reception centre). Head past the water tank and cottages, keep going uphill until you reach the end of the road and then park on the left after a very steep climb at a clearing marked by an impressive mango tree.

Parking :

At the end of the trail, after a very steep climb. Park on the left in a clearing marked by an impressive mango tree

Source

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