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Access: go to Saint-Denis and take Boulevard Sud. Then follow the signs for Clinique de Sainte-Clotilde, then Bois de Nèfles, then Pic Adam, and park at the end of the road in a car park.
(S/E) Take the concrete path that starts straight ahead.
(1) Then ignore the return path that starts on the right at a bend and stay on the concrete path, turning left. There is an information board here. The path runs between private properties, so it is of course forbidden to enter them, let alone litter them! There is a prohibition sign, but you can access the path without entering any private property!
At the end of the path, turn right onto a track running alongside pineapple fields.
Then take the first path on the left, which will quickly take you to the Pic Adam picnic area.
(2) Follow the well-maintained path that crosses it. At the exit of the picnic area, leave the path that branches off to the right and turn left. The first boulders appear very quickly and the slope is gentle at first. The path quickly enters a wooded area before crossing the Bras Benjoin. The slope becomes steeper after this and the climb consists of a few switchbacks. Be careful of some slippery sections. There are a few gaps of varying sizes offering views of Belle Vue, the top of the Cascade du Chaudron waterfall, Épérance les Hauts and Piton Tanan. The climb is not particularly difficult despite the 300m elevation gain to the viewpoint. The trail alternates between flat sections and more challenging sections. Higher up, before reaching the viewpoint, an open section offers a beautiful view stretching from Cap Bernard to Sainte-Suzanne.
At the next junction, turn right towards the viewpoint and then immediately right again.
(3) The viewpoint can be reached in 30 minutes for the fastest walkers. However, it is not at the summit of Pic Adam, which is a little higher. From here, there is a 180° view of Saint-Denis, Cap Bernard, Saint-François, Piton de Tête, Bois de Nèfles, Moufia, Sainte-Clotilde, Le Chaudron, Brittany, Roland Garros Airport, Sainte Marie, Sainte-Suzanne, the top of the Chaudron waterfall and many other towns, places and neighbourhoods in the north of the island. However, it is best to arrive early to enjoy the view.
Then return to the crossroads via the same path and turn right. The trail climbs again for a short while to go around Pic Adam, which is barely visible during the ascent. The trail then descends slightly and offers a few glimpses of the heights towards La Roche Écrite. Note, as is often the case in Réunion, the presence of sabres and guava trees.
After this short descent, the climb resumes. The trail then passes in front of an imposing filao tree that must be a hundred years old. However, some sections are slippery. The trail also crosses two ladders that make it easier to progress over rocky passages. But not everyone uses these ladders: some prefer to stay on the trail because these passages are only tricky in wet weather. Looking back, you can see Pic Adam and the distance you have covered since leaving it. Branches are becoming more and more common and the vegetation is quite low, allowing you to see far towards Roche Écrite. Fanjans are also becoming more and more common as you climb.
The trail then turns sharply to the right. Cross a small stream immediately. Except for the descent and ascent of the streams, the trail is practically flat. When you cross the second stream, notice a beautiful little waterfall on the right and a small pool at its foot. The trail then crosses two more streams. Handrails are provided on the narrowest sections.
(4) At the next intersection, turn right and begin the descent towards Bois de Nèfles. From the start, you will notice a few gaps in the trees overlooking Saint-Denis. The slope can be quite steep at times and the trail can be slippery. Pic Adam comes into view again and you can hear the sound of water, but the falls are not visible. The first part of the descent is on a ridge that separates two small streams. The trail then crosses two more streams before climbing a few dozen metres and descending again. It crosses three more streams and includes narrower sections where the trail runs along the rampart. Although the vegetation is very dense, it is possible to see the other side of the Ravine des Patates à Durant. This brings you to the end of the descent at a forest of cryptomeria trees, whose roots are treacherous for your ankles.
(5) At the ONF sign, which says "Ravine du Paradis" and shows the altitude as 800m below, continue straight ahead. Then walk alongside a few pipes of varying sizes before crossing a final stream.
(1) At the end of the trail, continue straight ahead on the concrete path from the start and return to the car park (S/E).
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Visorando member
Difficult 
Tourist office
Easy 
Very difficult 
