Hiking - La Soufrière from Carmichaël
A challenging trail, full of rich landscape and dotted with breathtaking viewpoints. Very varied trails, a geological history shaped by the volcano.
The Carmichaël is one of the most spectacular trails on offer. Its name alludes to an old family from Guadeloupe, possibly of English origin." Gérard Werter, "Coureur des Bois".
Hiking trail colour: yellow
Take the trail that climbs to the left of the information board. The trail begins with a steady climb among the tall trees of the rainforest. Cross the Madame François ravine. At the intersection turn right. Keep going straight, do not take the informative trail which starts again at the beginning. After walking for around one hour, go straight on at the intersection. At "Morne du Col", turn right towards "Carmichaël" and "Soufrière". That trail can often be muddy. Keep going straight on, leaving the intersection for le Col de l'Echelle on your left. Once you reach la Grande Faille, take a left to begin the final ascent towards the summit of La Soufrière.
Go around the top plateau of La Soufrière from the right, and then head back down towards La Grande Faille. Then turn right in the direction of "Trace Carmichaël" and "Matouba". Keep going on the same path that you used to come up to return to the car park at the start. You can also come back down La Soufrière via le Col de l'Echelle or by le Chemin des Dames, leaving your car in the Bains Jaunes parking area.
N.B. At the start of the forest house, the National Forestry Office offers a "Sylvascope" guide to understand the path. Featuring some interesting trivia about the environment, this audio guide allows you to discover the forest. Numbered information markers along the path correspond to relevant audio on the device. Return the guides to the Gourbeyre National Forestry Office Sylvathèque before heading to Matouba.
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.
Beware of sulphurous gas emissions, which are highly toxic: do not cross the protective barriers. In the event of bad weather at the summit plateau of La Soufrière, such as rain or fog, follow the yellow stakes in the ground carefully.
Please note : the parking and swimming areas are not supervised.
Make sure you adhere to any rules issued by the Regional Health Agency concerning hot baths.