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Hiking
There are a number of adventurous and seldom used walking trails scattered throughout the Turks and Caicos. Not so many moons ago this was the primary method of transport across an island or between settlements. The trails easily become overgrown if they are not used and many have been forgotten forever. Today it is possible to hike the traditional trading route along the north coast of Middle Caicos; head inland in search of crumbling plantation ruins; or follow an old donkey railway embankment to reach a series of caves on the uninhabited island of East Caicos. There are also some amazing routes to find the older tropical dry forests or through the thicker secondary bush to view unusual plants and hidden sinkholes. Other adventures may require wading or even swimming between the cays to complete a traverse. Either way; getting off the beaten path is a joy and an adventure. With miles of pristine beaches and acres of un-spoilt land the opportunities are almost endless.
Generally speaking a hike in the Turks and Caicos requires an early start, solid shoes, protective clothing, plenty of water, and a machete or good stick. The plants can be tough and unforgiving, the trails uneven and overgrown. It’s hot and it’s sweaty but the rewards are worth the strain. Everywhere there is evidence of pioneers and settlers from across the ages; Taino Indians, Loyalist cotton planters, sisal growers and even guano miners. Of course there were also the salt-rakers who put these islands on the map as an important stopover on the trade routes around the Atlantic. And the infamous pirates who hid among the inaccessible cays and raided passing trade and treasure ships. Perhaps there is still buried booty to be found? There is certainly a lot more to this country than meets the eye.
The Turks and Caicos are home to a multitude of flora and fauna. Much of this is endemic and rare. By venturing away from the built-up areas you are far more likely to encounter the amazing array of birds, butterflies, insects and reptiles. Some of the plant life may be familiar to you; the majority will probably be new. Learn about the medicinal and practical uses the natives put to many of the trees and bushes. Discover why others are known as 'cat's claw' or 'the strangler'. Depending on the time of year you may also see some beautiful flowers and have the opportunity to eat some unusual and very delicious fruit.
The following pages provide information of Amphibious’ top hiking picks.
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Here is a list of some of the many trails and routes found across the Turks and Caicos Islands
· Wade’s Green Field Roads (North Caicos)
· The Crossing Place Trail (Middle Caicos)
· Haulover & ½ mile creek (Middle Caicos)
· Lorimers, mango tree & sink hole (Middle Caicos)
· Garden Pond Field Road (Middle Caicos)
· Windward-going-through traverse (Middle Caicos)
· Donkey Railway and caves (East Caicos)
· Windward Cays Traverse (South Caicos)
· Salt Ponds Historical Walk (Salt Cay)
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