A shorter introduction
Compare the Savanne Trail if you want a shorter return outing with an easy official classification. Confirm the Plaine Paul approach and allow time for a highland walk rather than expecting a paved viewpoint stop.
Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
Choose between forest loops, a highland return walk and the island's highest peak. Compare the named routes, their start points and the preparation each one needs.
Choose Black River Gorges for time in the upland forest, a ridge walk or a longer day on foot. The best starting point depends on the trail you choose, not simply on the nearest park entrance.
A summit-oriented day
Black River Peak puts the high point at the centre of a return walk. Choose it for the forest and ridge as well as the panorama, because cloud can hide the distant views.
A longer forest outing
The Machabée Forest Loop suits a day built around steady walking and time in the forest. Keep the Pétrin return arrangement separate from the different Machabee Trail towards the lower gorges.
A climate of its own
The park spans wetter uplands and drier lower areas. Pack for the route's setting, with a weather layer and a saved route reference, rather than using conditions at the beach as your guide.
The eight trails in the official park listing
These rows reproduce the scope of the official listing in structured form. A row without a guide remains in verification and does not imply current opening.
| Official trail | Published distance | Classification | Hiking Mauritius review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machabee Forest Loop | 14 km return | Moderate | Read current page |
| Machabee Trail | 10 km | Strenuous | Field verification queue |
| Mare Longue Loop | 12 km return | Moderate | Field verification queue |
| Parakeet Trail | 8 km | Strenuous | Field verification queue |
| Black River Peak Trail | 9 km return | Moderate | Read current page |
| Paille en Queue Trail | 3 km | Moderate | Field verification queue |
| Savanne Trail | 6 km return | Easy | Read current page |
| Cascade des Gallets Trail | 3 km return | Strenuous | Field verification queue |
Make a day of it
Choose the trail before arranging transport
The park has several named approaches. Give your driver or travelling companions the exact itinerary and intended return point. A loop and a one-way traverse need different pickup plans; a general Black River Gorges destination is not enough to organise either.
Give one walk enough room
Build the day around one route, including travel, orientation, breaks and a return margin. Do not add official trail lengths together without checking how they connect. Nearby viewpoints or another walk should remain optional after the main outing, not deadlines that force a rushed return.
Read the inventory as a choice of routes
The table below helps distinguish names, endpoints and published difficulty. The detailed guides add preparation for the routes covered here. Some other park trails have no full guide yet; use current park information for their approach and conditions rather than borrowing instructions from a neighbouring route.
Choose the walk that fits your day
Compare the experience, walking time and preparation before choosing your route.
Compare routes
Black River Peak
9 km returnAllow 3 to 4.5 hours
Confirm access before you go
For a forest-and-ridge outing with a summit objective. Leave time for uncertain visibility and the full return.
Machabée Loop
14 km returnAllow 4 to 5.5 hours
Confirm access before you go
For sustained walking and forest immersion. Confirm the loop back to Pétrin before setting off.
Piton Savanne
6 km returnAllow 2 to 3 hours
Confirm access before you go
For a shorter highland return walk. A useful comparison for active families who want to avoid technical climbing.
Status unconfirmedBlack River Peak
The route is officially listed, but a current listing does not confirm today's opening status.
Status unconfirmedMachabée Loop
The route is officially listed, but current park conditions still need checking before travel.
Status unconfirmedPiton Savanne
The route is officially listed, but current park conditions still need checking before travel.