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Main Ridge Forest Reserve

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Forest
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Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)

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The Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago is the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, established on April 13, 1776, by a decree of the British Parliament. Stretching across the island's central mountain range, it encompasses approximately 3,958 hectares of pristine tropical rainforest. The reserve's founding was driven by the early scientific realization that preserving forest cover was essential for attracting rainfall and sustaining the island's agriculture. Today, the reserve is a sanctuary for immense biodiversity, hosting over 100 bird species, including the rare White-tailed Sabrewing hummingbird, which is endemic to Tobago. The area features numerous hiking trails that offer visitors a glimpse into an undisturbed ecosystem characterized by giant ferns, wild orchids, and ancient hardwood trees. Since 2011, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, highlighting its global ecological and historical significance as a pioneering effort in environmental conservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272627272828282829282827
Rain mm7236343881144160164138184180126

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The reserve on Tobago is accessible via the Roxborough-Parlatuvier Road, which runs directly through the heart of the protected forest area.
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Best season
A visit is possible year-round, but the dry season from January to May is best for birdwatching and hiking on relatively drier trails.
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Terrain & paths
There are well-marked trails such as the Gilpin Trace; the ground is often interlaced with roots and can be slightly damp at all times due to high humidity.
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What to bring
Light rain gear, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended for exploring the dense tropical rainforest.
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Parking
Parking spaces are available at the main trailheads along the connecting road, often located near information centers or scenic lookout points.
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Safety
Stay on the designated paths to protect the fragile flora; watch for slippery spots and bring enough water to stay hydrated in the stifling humidity.
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Time needed
Depending on the chosen trail, a hike usually lasts between two to four hours, though you should budget more time for longer treks or intensive birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
11.25000, -60.66670

Facts

  • The reserve was formally established on April 13, 1776.
  • It covers a total land area of approximately 3,958 hectares.
  • The highest peak within the reserve reaches about 550 meters (1,800 feet).
  • It is home to the White-tailed Sabrewing, a hummingbird endemic to Tobago.
  • Main Ridge was voted 'World's Leading Eco-Tourism Destination' multiple times.
  • The forest consists primarily of montane and sub-montane rainforest types.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

GoodwoodGoodwood2 km · WExplore →
Englishman's BayEnglishman's Bay2 km · EExplore →
CastaraCastara2 km · SEExplore →
PembrokePembroke2 km · NWExplore →
GoldsboroughGoldsborough4 km · NExplore →
GlamisGlamis4 km · SWExplore →
ParlatuvierParlatuvier4 km · NEExplore →
Belle GardenBelle Garden6 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Main Ridge Forest Reserve (2)

Battles of Tobago📍 landmark

Memorial site on Tobago, recalling historical conflicts on the island.

Hillsborough Reservoir📍 landmark

Reservoir on Tobago, surrounded by rainforest, supplies water to the island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is this the oldest forest reserve?
Yes, it is one of the oldest legally protected forest areas in the world.
Are the hiking trails difficult?
There are easy and hard trails, a guide is strongly recommended.
What is the best time of day?
Early morning is the coolest and when you see the most animals.
Do you need special clothing?
Sturdy footwear and long, light clothing are advised.
Are there waterfalls there?
Yes, some hiking trails lead to easy on the eye waterfalls.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve: where is it located?
Main Ridge Forest Reserve is located in Trinidad and Tobago.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Battles of Tobago, Hillsborough Reservoir.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago is the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, established on April 13, 1776, by a decree of the British Parliament.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Mason Hall — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Mason Hall
One of the largest inland villages on Tobago.
Morne Quinton — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Morne Quinton
A residential area overlooking Scarborough, Tobago.
Goodwood — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Goodwood
A village in Tobago known for its strong community spirit.
Englishman's Bay — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Englishman's Bay
Not a village, but a famous secluded beach on the leeward side of Tobago.
Castara — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Castara
A small fishing village and growing eco-tourism destination in a secluded bay.
Pembroke — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Pembroke
A village in Tobago known for its strong African traditions and harvest festival.
Goldsborough — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Goldsborough
An area in Tobago known for Goldsborough Bay and the nearby ruins of a sugar mill.
Glamis — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Glamis
A small village in central Tobago.
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Parlatuvier
A small village set in a scenic bay on the north coast of Tobago.
Belle Garden — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Belle Garden
A village on the windward coast of Tobago.
Richmond — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Richmond
A small village in Tobago, near the Richmond Great House.
Roxborough — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Roxborough
The second largest town on Tobago, located near the Argyle Waterfall.
Plymouth — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Plymouth
One of the oldest towns on Tobago, site of Fort James.
Charlotteville — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Charlotteville
A picturesque fishing village nestled in Man-O-War Bay in northeastern Tobago.
Black Rock — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Black Rock
A village on the Caribbean coast of Tobago, site of Fort Bennett.

More places

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Castara Fishing Village
A quiet fishing village with a small beach and local food.
Scarborough Port — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scarborough Port
The main hub for passenger and freight traffic in Tobago.
Scarborough Botanical Gardens — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scarborough Botanical Gardens
A quiet garden with tropical plants in Scarborough.
Celestial Park Forest — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Celestial Park Forest
A private nature reserve in Tobago dedicated to rainforest conservation.
Buccoo Marsh — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Buccoo Marsh
A mangrove forest and wetland area adjacent to the Buccoo Reef in Tobago.
Little Tobago Bird Sanctuary — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Little Tobago Bird Sanctuary
A small island with an important seabird nesting site.
St. Giles Islands — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
St. Giles Islands
A group of small, rocky islands off the northeastern tip of Tobago.
Buccoo Reef — Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Trinidad and Tobago)
Buccoo Reef
A protected coral reef with rich marine life.