This Caribbean Island Is Known For Its Natural Beauty and Has Stunning Twin Waterfalls

I’ve always been a bit rebellious when it comes to travel. I defy the advice in the TLC hit song from 1994 and chase waterfalls all over the world. Perhaps inspired by childhood trips to Niagara Falls and Yosemite Falls, I’ve never hesitated to go the distance to witness the roaring power of natural cascades, even traveling to Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls and to both Brazil and Argentina for Iguazú Falls.

Having witnessed so many of the greats—of all sizes, shapes, and flows—I became somewhat jaded to waterfalls. It wasn’t until I visited Dominica, a Caribbean island nation, a few weeks ago that I became jaded by waterfalls.

As soon as I arrived to Nature Island—which earned its moniker for its lush terrain filled with verdant rainforests, mountains, and stunning shorelines—all the gregariously welcoming locals asked me if I’d been to Trafalgar Falls. My curiosity increased when they spoke of the waterfalls. 

Many waterfalls are named in plural form because they consist of multiple cascades. However, this particular one was so unique, as it consisted of two twin falls nestled within a larger cascade. Morne Trois Pitons National Park. UNESCO says that the park, which is a 17,297 acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, has “a lush tropical forest that blends with scenic features of great scientific value.” The unusual combination of steep valleys and fumaroles with lakes and volcanos made this a unique backdrop for a waterfall chaser. 

Located approximately 20 minutes from Roseau’s capital, the road twists and turns before reaching a modest visitors center. The first thing I did was follow a path through the rainforest, which led me into the valley surrounded by mountain peaks.

The gentle roar of waterfalls was heard just 10 minutes after I started my walk. Just a few steps later I found myself on a wooden platform.

They appeared back-to-back on stage as if choreographing their appearance. Mother refers to the taller, 125-footer on the left. Father refers to the smaller, but stronger 75-footer on the right. Many people reverse the nicknames and go by height alone, according to Discover Dominica.)

They looked like two sides of the same coin with a granite stone in between. I was shocked to discover that they are actually from two completely different sourcesThe water for the Father Falls comes from Freshwater Lake whose waters flow into Ti-Tou Gorge. The water for the Mother Falls comes from the Breakfast River. This fact was even more impressive, as it was Mother Nature who brought them together at this point. I’d seen many falls, but it was still mind-boggling to imagine how two separate sources could have led to the exact same place and created the amazing sight.

As I looked closely at the cascades to the left, I could see that they were actually a pair of twin falls.

The Mother Falls has a hot springs area where two travelers were climbing the rock scramble. The Dominican government’s forestry, wildlife, and parks division According to the report, while the walk from the viewing area to the base is moderate and easy, it is very difficult to reach the base. “A tour guide is recommended for those who wish to go beyond the viewing area.”

On this rainy, slippery day, I decided to stay to watch the couple in the warm thermal heat of the park’s five volcanoes.

After passing the village of Trafalgar (after which the falls were named), I continued my journey down to Wotten Waven where I soaked in the natural hot spring pools at Ti Kwen Glo Cho. It was a great experience to soak in the hot springs and enjoy the surrounding rainforest while sitting among the local families. 

Trafalgar falls is about 5 miles east of Dominica’s capital Roseau. It can be reached via Trafalgar, Wotten Waven or by the Trafalgar road. $5 admission fee for non-residentsPayable on site