Middleham Falls: Hiking to Dominica’s Tallest Waterfall
If you’ve been on the fence about visiting Middleham Falls—Dominica’s tallest waterfall—we’re here to tell you not to pass this one up!
Before we continue, let us express that this is no easy hike. It’s approximately 3.5-4.0 miles round-trip with about 1000 ft elevation gain. (AllTrials does NOT show accurate information on this hike).
However, it’s one of our favorite hikes we’ve done to date! (If you’re looking for an easy waterfall hike, try out Trafalgar Falls).
Our experience at Middleham Falls was definitely unique. We began hiking at 06:00 in the morning, (which is easy to do in Dominica as the sun starts rising around 05:00) and were the ONLY ones on the trail!
Not only that, but we visited Dominica during the rainy season (December), and it rained on us the entire morning.
However, the rain only added to the beauty and the reward waiting for us at the end! Because of this, Middleham Falls has made the list of being one of the favorite waterfalls we’ve ever seen (Skógafoss in Iceland being #1).
And because of its difficulty level, you’ll likely find only yourself on the trail. (Depending on the time of day).
Keep reading to see the many reasons why YOU should also visit Middleham Falls!
Hiking Guide to Middleham Falls in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica
| Difficulty Level | Price | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate-Difficult (Depending on Weather) | 14 East Caribbean Dollars ($5 USD) | 3-5 hours | Tallest Waterfall in Dominica, Swimming Hole, Less Traveled, Morne Trois Pitons National Park |
Getting to Middleham Falls is no easy hike. But like we said before, it’s SO worth it.
Being the tallest waterfall in Dominica (approximately 275 feet tall), you can hear the power of the rushing water long before you reach the falls.
We highly suggest you bring hiking boots as the trail is slick (even if it’s not raining) as you’ll be climbing over rocks and lots of slippery roots.
You’ll also pass through a few streams along the trail so your feet will likely get wet! Bring an extra pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and an extra pair of socks.
On our way back out from the trail, we saw a couple of people beginning the hike in FLIP FLOPS! 🤯 Odds are they turned around less than halfway into the hike. It’s not a good idea to be unprepared for any hike, especially this one.
Also, watch your step as you’ll see lots of little red crabs passing along the trail. 🦀
As Middleham Falls is located inside the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, there is a $5 (USD) entry fee to see the falls.
However, we did not see anywhere to pay when we visited.
We recommend buying the week pass anyway, as it will cover lots of sites in the national parks. More information about user park passes.
We did NOT take a tour guide for us for this hike. However, when we were leaving there were a few couples beginning their hike who did have tour guides.
If you would feel more comfortable with a guide, we recommend you get one! Not only are guides experienced on the trails, but they can also point out things you likely wouldn’t notice by yourself such as different plant species, critters, animals, and more.
Getting to Middleham Falls
Whether visiting Dominica from a relaxing cruise or staying on land for the week, you’ll need to find transportation to the falls.
We HIGHLY recommend renting a car if you plan on staying in Dominica for more than a day.
During our trip to Dominica, we came across a few couples (and picked up a few hitchhikers in our car) who were waiting for transportation and weren’t sure when they’d find that next taxi or car willing to stop. If you’re a planner and have the trip planned out, hitchhiking may not be your best bet.
If you’re trying to get to Middleham Falls from the cruise port, we recommend taking a taxi or a guided tour!
Here are a few different tours that will take you to Middleham Falls (& more) directly from the cruise ship port or your hotel:
- Middleham Falls and Ti’tou Gorge Half-Day Excursion 🥾
- Wildlife Hike Middleham Falls 🌿
- DG Tours – Full-Day Private Tour Experience 🚕
If you are renting a car, type Middleham Falls into your Google Maps. We suggest downloading an offline map of Dominica just in case you find yourself without service!
Google Maps told us that we reached our destination when we had not. We had to continue driving for a few minutes to the end of the road (pictured above). You will reach a resort or development of some kind (this was in the initial stages of development when we were there).
Hiking Essentials
You never know what can happen on a hike, so being prepared is key—especially in Dominica’s rainy season!
However, keep the list short and to the point (you don’t want to lug around what you don’t need).
What to wear and pack for your hike to Middleham Falls:
- Waterproof Hiking boots (or an extra pair of water shoes)
- Moisture-wicking hiking attire
- Extra pair of socks
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle (extra water and/or life straw)
- Wet/dry bag for camera/phone/wallet
- Cellphone with service (also download offline maps)
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Bugspray
Middleham Trail Information
Now that you’ve arrived at the trailhead of Middleham Falls, it’s time to put those hiking boots to work!
Don your sunscreen and bug spray and head down the trail.
Shortly after beginning our hike, we came across the first body of water (picture on left). And by body of water, I mean a full river. This was likely due to all the rain, so it may not be the same for you.
Continue on the trail and be prepared to get your hands dirty climbing up and down the trail, depending on how badly the trail has been washed out from water recently.
Once you reach a pavilion and crossroads on the trail, there is no sign pointing to let you know which way to go to Middleham Falls (or there wasn’t during the time of our visit).
Take the trail on the LEFT.
The trail on the right continues onto the Waitukubuli National Trail (the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean!)
We initially went straight and could hear a waterfall but we were unable to find a way down. We turned around and finally found the correct way to the left.
We reached a waterfall that was beautiful and impressive — and then realized it wasn’t even the waterfall we were trying to reach! Depending on the season and weather, this may only be a small stream as we’ve seen in other traveler’s photos.
Shortly after this waterfall, you’ll reach Middleham Falls! You can spot the top of it through the trees if you look hard enough! 👀
Head towards the base of the falls to the viewing platform for great photos!
You should also be able to reach the swimming hole from here, although you may have to climb over some rocks. We were unable to enjoy the swimming hole (or even see that it was there) because the waterfall was so powerful!
Best Times to Hike Middleham Falls
We may be biased, but we wouldn’t have wanted to see the falls any other way than we did — in the rain during the rainy season!
The power of the waterfall was so extreme that you couldn’t stand on the platform without getting soaking wet. (We did it anyway!) But it made for one of our favorite waterfalls we’ve ever seen!
It also made for a very interesting and fun hike. We were continuously looking for the best spots to place our feet to avoid our boots getting submerged in water.
However, we cannot suggest this is the best time to visit Middleham Falls for everyone.
If you would prefer a less challenging hike, visit Middleham Falls when the ground is mostly dry and it’s not raining. And of course, pick a sunny and (non-rainy) day if you’d like to enjoy the swimming hole!
Also, get to the trailhead as early as possible. You won’t regret it as you’ll have the trail and swimming hole mostly to yourself!
Final Thoughts
Do you think you want to put this challenging (yet highly rewarding) waterfall on your list of things to do in Dominica?
If you do visit these falls, let us know how it goes!
Remember that this waterfall hike in Dominica will vary depending on the weather and season in which you are visiting.
Bring your gear, hire a guide if you choose, and explore the jungles to the tallest waterfall in Dominica!
