The Island of Dominica will host its 3rd annual Hike Fest in May.  The event celebrates the island’s best hiking and attracts hiking enthusiasts from around the world.

“While the skill level needed to tackle each trail may vary, each route offers a rewarding tour of the island’s awe-inspiring surroundings, from its majestic mountains, rolling hills and lush forests to the spectacular waterfalls,” say festival organizers.

In 2010,  Hike Fest will highlight the upcoming Waitukubuli National Trail, which will be the only long distance walking trail in the Caribbean.  Running from the north to the south of the island, the trail will cover approximately 185km, divided into 14 sections.  Fit hikers, who challenge themselves with one section each day, could take two weeks to complete the entire trail.

Hike Fest’s first hike will take place on May 1, 2010 and will be from Salybia to Pagua Bay in the north east of Dominica.  Other festival hike trails will include Soufriere, Scotts Head, Cabrits National Park and Capuchin.  Open to hikers of  all ages and abilities, these trails vary in levels of difficulty for the novice to experienced hikers.

Hike Fest is part of Dominica’s Tourism Awareness Month activities, a month-long festival organized by the DHTA (Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association), Waitukubuli National Trail Project and the DDA (Discover Dominica Authority).

For more info, check out DiscoverDominica.com

Images courtesy of DiscoverDominica.