Morne Léger

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Le Morne Léger won’t offer you a sweeping view, but the climb, which is not difficult, will treat you to the lovely atmosphere of a tropical forest.

Details

n°88944
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.27 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 643 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 650 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,090 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,791 ft
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Photos

Summit of Morne Léger
Morne Léger refuge
Mamelle de Petit-Bourg

Description of the walk

Parking at Col des Mamelles, on the right-hand side of the D23 (when coming from Petit-Bourg), a beautiful road that crosses the island of Basse-Terre from one side to the other.

(S/E) The start is on the same side of the road as the car park (sign). The path begins by descending into the forest, heading north-east for about 500 metres. After a flat section and a slight climb (up to elevation 608), the path descends again and then turns north, continuing downhill. You reach a slightly more open area where a wooden shelter has been built.

(1) Continue north-east and, after a sharp right-hand bend, climb back up to elevation 603. Walk another hundred metres or so on a slight incline.

(2) Begin a descent, heading north-east. Take a sharp right-hand bend, then another to the left. First turn left then right.

(3) The slope becomes steeper and the path narrower. Climb northwards and join a path coming from the left which leads to Morne à Georges. Turn right and you will soon reach the summit (signpost).

(4) Descend via the same path as on the way up to the pass (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,913 ft - Col des Mamelles
  2. 1 : mi 0.4 - alt. 1,791 ft - Abri du Morne Léger
  3. 2 : mi 0.79 - alt. 1,952 ft - Top of a descent
  4. 3 : mi 1 - alt. 1,896 ft - Bottom of a steep climb
  5. 4 : mi 1.13 - alt. 2,090 ft - Summit of - Morne Léger
  6. S/E : mi 2.27 - alt. 1,913 ft - Col des Mamelles

Notes

The path is generally damp; after a spell of rain, it can be quite muddy. Therefore, this hike is best undertaken during Lent (in dry weather). Nevertheless, wear suitable footwear. Don’t forget rainwear in case of a downpour.

The time given on the information sheet (1h20) may be an underestimate. On site, a sign indicates 1 hour to reach Morne Léger. You should therefore allow for a round trip of between 1h30 and 2 hours.

Shelter available at (1). No (drinking) water source along the route.

This short hike can be combined with another nearby hike, described on the same website:
- La Mamelle de Pigeon: starts at the same pass, on the other side of the road.
- La Mamelle de Petit-Bourg: by car or on foot, take the D23 to the left (east) and reach the starting point after about 500 metres.

Useful map (at the very least the one accompanying this description).

Hike completed by the author on 13 May 2012.

Worth a visit

Lovely tropical forest atmosphere. Diverse vegetation.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
Naomaxxx
Naomaxxx

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike to discover the stunning tropical jungle.
There are no viewpoints along the hike, but nature lovers will enjoy an incredible immersion in the forest.
Be warned, even in dry weather, the path is particularly muddy throughout the hike: at times, we couldn't even see our hiking boots stuck in the mud! Otherwise, the path does not present any particular difficulties.

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Foxy19
Foxy19

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk despite the rain and mud up to our ankles. A big plus: a very quiet trail (we didn’t meet a soul) and a peaceful setting amidst lush countryside.

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Netra
Netra ★

Hello stradale,

Thank you for your feedback and for clarifying the time. The time displayed is an estimate, calculated using an algorithm that takes into account distance and elevation: as with any estimate, there may be some margin of error.

I will add a note about this in the description.

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stradale
stradale

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

During the walk, you’ll have a lovely view of the two Mamelles if the sky is clear. Unfortunately, there’s no view from the summit of Morne Léger...
A quick note on the walking time: At the start, a sign gives an estimated time of 1 hour to reach Morne Léger (including a break), and therefore 2 hours for the round trip. The time indicated in this description (1 hour 20 mins round trip) is suitable for an experienced hiker, given the elevation gain and the generally slippery terrain.
Enjoy your walk

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