Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail
Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail
Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail
4.5
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A lovely trail beginning with open pastures and going through thick forest where tree-frogs greet you in chorus.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
41 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
15
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Lynda A
1 contribution
Oct. 2022 • Couples
O’Neil is a very knowledgeable guide and made our experience just what we wanted. He truly knows everything about this rainforest, his backyard as he puts it. Feel confident when making a reservation with him.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rett S
15 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Friends
Perfect for those who like to explore on thier own. A short walk down the hill from Romney Manor ends at this 17th century suger cane and rum processing operation.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Active Caribbean Travel
Toronto, Canada154 contributions
Jan. 2022
I’ve always wanted to hike in the St. Kitts Central Forest Reserve National Park, so, we rented a car and drove up the west coast of the island to the grounds of the once majestic Wingfield Estate, where I had heard a number of hiking trails originated. Once we got there, I talked to a vendor about hiking in the area and asked if there were any local guides we could hire. A few phone calls later and a friendly fellow named Travis showed up and said he would be happy to take us into the jungle on what he called the “Bench Trail”.
Our hike started with a casual walk along a dirt road behind Wingfield Estate. We soon left the dirt road, following a narrow path into the jungle. The natural trail took us next to what appeared to be an old riverbank. Travis explained that the water was dammed and captured in cisterns much higher up the mountain. This part of the trail follows small pipes that bring clean water down into the local houses and businesses in Old Road Town and the surrounding area.
We stopped once in a while for Travis to show us various trees and plants bordering the trail. He explained that while some have edible fruit, others have leaves, bark, and roots that can be used for medicinal teas – Apparently curing everything from sore throats, indigestion, and stiff muscles to maybe even cancer. He brought to our attention the stand of almond trees we were walking under. Pretty cool to see the trail littered with partially eaten almond husks. We were a little aghast to come across the spike-covered sandbox trees. While intriguing to look at – don’t touch these horrors of the forest!
After about half an hour or so, we left the rainforest’s natural grocery store and pharmacy to head uphill. The trail twisted and turned around large trees constantly taking us higher. While a bit of a workout, it was relatively easy to hike although the incline did get steeper over time as the trail snaked up the mountainside. After another half hour or so, we were quite sweaty and breathing a little hard as we arrived at “the bench”. We grabbed a seat, although we didn’t rest for too long. After peering through a gap in the rainforest canopy, we could see that we were on the edge of a gully, or what they call a ghaut in St. Kitts. Peering down into the ghaut, it was clear that we had traveled a fair distance.
It was great to discover that Travis was taking us back on a slightly different route, as loop trails provide the opportunity to experience as much diverse terrain and flora as possible. As an exciting change of pace, the first part of this new trail included an unanticipated plunge down the hillside. We pretty much rappelled a short section of trail to quickly reach the gully floor.
At this point, we crossed the shallow stream to encounter something out of a Jurassic Park or Tarzan movie. There were vines of all sizes hanging everywhere. Pretty much a curtain or veil of vines. Travis explained how the vines grow out of the ground, climb up and tangle themselves around tree branches high in the sky, before reaching back to earth. He said the older ones secured to large trees are strong enough to hold the weight of an adult human, and Travis proved his point! OK, that was pretty cool!
Back at Wingfield Estate, we walked around the remains of the old stone structures. A few hundred years ago, this was one of the most dominant plantations on the island – The place just oozes with history. In the mid 17th century, it is believed to have been one of the Caribbean’s first rum distilleries!
Our hike started with a casual walk along a dirt road behind Wingfield Estate. We soon left the dirt road, following a narrow path into the jungle. The natural trail took us next to what appeared to be an old riverbank. Travis explained that the water was dammed and captured in cisterns much higher up the mountain. This part of the trail follows small pipes that bring clean water down into the local houses and businesses in Old Road Town and the surrounding area.
We stopped once in a while for Travis to show us various trees and plants bordering the trail. He explained that while some have edible fruit, others have leaves, bark, and roots that can be used for medicinal teas – Apparently curing everything from sore throats, indigestion, and stiff muscles to maybe even cancer. He brought to our attention the stand of almond trees we were walking under. Pretty cool to see the trail littered with partially eaten almond husks. We were a little aghast to come across the spike-covered sandbox trees. While intriguing to look at – don’t touch these horrors of the forest!
After about half an hour or so, we left the rainforest’s natural grocery store and pharmacy to head uphill. The trail twisted and turned around large trees constantly taking us higher. While a bit of a workout, it was relatively easy to hike although the incline did get steeper over time as the trail snaked up the mountainside. After another half hour or so, we were quite sweaty and breathing a little hard as we arrived at “the bench”. We grabbed a seat, although we didn’t rest for too long. After peering through a gap in the rainforest canopy, we could see that we were on the edge of a gully, or what they call a ghaut in St. Kitts. Peering down into the ghaut, it was clear that we had traveled a fair distance.
It was great to discover that Travis was taking us back on a slightly different route, as loop trails provide the opportunity to experience as much diverse terrain and flora as possible. As an exciting change of pace, the first part of this new trail included an unanticipated plunge down the hillside. We pretty much rappelled a short section of trail to quickly reach the gully floor.
At this point, we crossed the shallow stream to encounter something out of a Jurassic Park or Tarzan movie. There were vines of all sizes hanging everywhere. Pretty much a curtain or veil of vines. Travis explained how the vines grow out of the ground, climb up and tangle themselves around tree branches high in the sky, before reaching back to earth. He said the older ones secured to large trees are strong enough to hold the weight of an adult human, and Travis proved his point! OK, that was pretty cool!
Back at Wingfield Estate, we walked around the remains of the old stone structures. A few hundred years ago, this was one of the most dominant plantations on the island – The place just oozes with history. In the mid 17th century, it is believed to have been one of the Caribbean’s first rum distilleries!
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
Middlesbrough, UK1,712 contributions
Mar. 2020
Well worth visiting to see the old plantation and distillery buildings. It appears to be still, somewhat, work in progress, but the sights and associated information notice boards scattered around are interesting and the surrounding setting is beautiful.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjds
Branson, MO424 contributions
Jul. 2019 • Couples
This was an interesting stop on a tour of the whole island. Seeing the remains of the Firing Tunnel where sugar cane was burned, rum made, etc., was interesting and the setting on the edge of the rain forest made a nice short walk/break. We did not hike the entire trail but saw a number of plants and had a feel for what an extensive say might be. We booked the tour at the port after our cruise ship docked and were in an open trolley with our driver narrating as he drove and at each stop. He pointed out numerous sites in town before heading out to the road which circled the island, up and over to where the Atlantic and Caribbean can be seen on either side of a narrow stretch from a high point, with the road switchbacking below...beautiful. While the ride was quite bumpy, it was a nice way to get a feel for many aspects of the island, from riding through small towns/neighborhoods, riding right along the sea, up to the rainforest, over the mountain, and back to the dock. The guide was with the Paradise Island Tours and provided beverage breaks along the way.
Written July 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HandDoc14
Baton Rouge, LA38 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Family
The jungle was good, not spectacular. Saw monkeys and mongoose. A wide variety of plants,but our guide didn't know much about the local flora or fauna. The hike was arduous (he gave us the choice of easy way or hard way- we took the hard way) If you don't cardio a couple times a week, may no be for you.
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikenneally
Boston, MA119 contributions
May 2019 • Family
We enjoyed walking around the grounds of the estate, down part of the nature walk into the rainforest and over to the manor. Also had the chance to meet a pet monkey and drink water straight from some coconuts. There were mostly guided groups passing through, either going zip lining or atving, but individuals are also welcome (we went as a couple and two kids). If you have time, get a gold drink at the smoothie bar!
Written May 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura F
2 contributions
Mar. 2019 • Couples
O'Neil and his son "Jr." were just terrific. O'Neil was extremely knowledgable about the plants, animals and history of the rain forest, and his sincere love of the forest comes through in his stories and facts. He has been doing tours for 40 years. While on his tour, others came by us in a hurry, while we spent good time discussing the beauty of the area. Wear good walking shoes, and there is an assisted climb, but was no problem for our 50 year-old something group or the young children along with the tour. We booked through the marriotte and have not found O'Neil "On-line". I'm sure he is a fixture in St Kitts tour industry, so you can probably ask anyone to point you in his direction, and they can help you get in contact with him. I would STRONGly recommend spending the time to find this tour!!
Written March 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BackfromVacay
Toronto, Canada170 contributions
Jan. 2019 • Family
maybe one of the last remaining accessible hieroglyphocs int eh Caribbean and on teh way to the Volcano. Excellent historical review for thoseinterested in the Caribs, Tainos adn other native people. Thank you St Kitts for presetrving this masterpiece. And for allowing visitors to share in this treasure.
Written February 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nerdybirdlady
Spring, TX249 contributions
Jan. 2019
I've had a difficult time figuring out exactly where to write my review. We booked our excursion through Celebrity Cruise line and they called it St Kitts Rainforest Adventure. This excursion indicated we'd see a botanical garden at Romney Manor, shop at Caribelle batik and hike the rainforest trail, and hike the Wingfield Forest trail- all real close in proximity and not strenuous if you are in decent shape. We did all that and then were driven to an open air place that had a bar and what looked like restaurant seating except no one was going around, that I saw, taking food orders. The bar was taking drink orders! But, the greater issue I had was if this was a restroom stop or free coconut drink stop after we hiked then they shouldn't be charging or asking for tips when you come out of the ladies room. I was standing in line to use the restroom when I heard a girl, looked to be college aged, come back in and tell her mom they wanted her to pay them for using the restroom. I was appalled, I got out of line, came out of the door and looked at the lady and told her not to ask me, that when I heard they were charging I changed my mind. This is just ridiculous and totally turned me off to this stop. This stop was not even listed in description and on top of that 40 mins I would have rather used back at Romney Manor or hiking. I plan on discussing it with the cruise ship but also want to warn others if this is your itinerary to be prepared at that last stop. As for Romney Manor and Caribelle batik, it's a lovely place and I highly recommend grabbing a quick drink that overlooks the rainforest if you aren't shopping. The view is beautiful from there! I shopped and got several batik items, I actually could have used a bit more time in there but I understand not everyone wants to shop. The trails were fine, I like learning of fauna and I'm a photographer so seeing the lush landscapes and wildlife is why we chose this tour. We did see monkeys, hummingbirds and butterflies. The tour of Wingfield was informative, our guide did a nice job explaining it all. I do not regret going, I recommend it but I'd certainly inquire if you have the same last stop what the purpose is and if they will be charging to use restrooms, and why after paying for this tour they feel the necessity. FYI - you will have the opportunity to use restrooms at Romney Manor when you arrive and no extra charge.
Written February 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phyllisjean51
Deerfield, NH47 contributions
Is there much elevation on this trail? A couple of friends are concerned it might be too difficult.
JeanStarPaul
Florence, KY4 contributions
Hi, We would like to tour the Rainforest in St. kitts on our cruise boarding Saturday Jan 7. How do we do this?
kahlie7510
Chagrin Falls, OH
How do I contact O'Neil for a tour of the rain forest on Feb. 28th? Arriving on a Princess cruise that day,
Maddi C
Ogden, UT4 contributions
Is the Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail located at the Caribelle Batik At Romney Manor? We are going to St. Kitts on the Carnival Conquest and I REALLY want to hike in the rain forest, but I'm having a hard time figuring out where this Rain Forest Nature Trail is on the island.
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Claim your listingWINGFIELD-PHILLIPS RAIN FOREST NATURE TRAIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail:
- St. Kitts Rainforest Tour (From C$95.96)
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- Full Island Panoramic Tour of St Kitts (From C$93.22)
- Rainforest Tours in St. Kitts (From C$84.36)
- St Kitts Traditional Lunch & Half Day Island Tour (From C$132.88)
- Hotels near Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail:
- (3.85 km) Sunset Reef St. Kitts
- (12.66 km) Royal St.Kitts Hotel
- (12.95 km) Marriott's St. Kitts Beach Club
- (13.05 km) Timothy Beach Resort
- (7.09 km) Belle Mont Farm
- Restaurants near Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail:
- (0.20 km) Railway Bar & Grill
- (15.95 km) Orchid Bay Beach House Restaurant
- (8.12 km) Serendipity
- (12.72 km) Tiranga
- (12.31 km) Marshalls