The Woodland Trail

Since most of the Islands’ undisturbed forest is difficult to traverse, the Woodland Trail was built to allow Park patrons an opportunity to get inside the natural landscape.  The trail is four-fifths of a mile long and can be comfortably walked.  Care was spent mapping the site and the trail to ensure that it passes through unusual or significant habitats such as that of the very rare native Cockspur tree (Erythrina velutina) or a stand of Bull Thatch palms (Thrinax radiata).  The trail goes through swampy areas, dry areas, and some areas that have enough soil for larger trees such as Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) to develop lofty canopies.  The land encompassed by the Woodland Trail makes up approximately forty acres, and is estimated to contain more than fifty percent of the native flora of the Cayman Islands.

Map Highlights

1 - Woodland Trail Entrance

2 - Queen Elizabeth II Monument
The monument stone is from a local quarry; note fossil shell embedded in the rock. Behind the rock is a stand of Silver Thatch palm, the Park’s logo tree.

3 - Fern Swamp
Features two native ferns that grow in semi-saline swamp conditions and can achieve heights of up to ten feet.

4 - High Spring Pond
This deep sinkhole has an active spring near its surface near which native plants are slowly establishing themselves. The open water also helps encourage humidity-loving plants in the area.

5 - Crocodile Hole
The fossil bones of the Cuban Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Rhombifer) were discovered in this wetland. Wide-spread and abundant when the early mariners first visited these islands, the crocodiles now survive only in the Zapata swamplands of Cuba. Look across the bridge at the Hickatee Habitat wetland where our native freshwater turtles have found a permanent home.

6 - Buttonwood Swamp
The southern end of a large Buttonwood swamp yields its water to this deep pool. it provides humidity for the orchids and bromeliads growing naturally here.

7 - Kary’s Pond
A small swamp was enlarged to form this pond and plants native to this habitat type were obtained from near the Frank Sound Fire Station. Along with other wildlife, there are two moorhens that have taken up residence in this area.

8 - Cherry Ground
The plant Myrcianthes Fragrans is a member of the Myrtle family and is locally known as “Cherry”. Birds eat the bright red fruit.

9 - Cactus Country
Moving into a drier, rockier environment, the flora changes to display large Century Plants (Agave) and cacti.

10 - Epiphyte Woodland
Extensive surface flooding in the rainy season brings a humidity ideal for epiphytes. Orchids and bromeliads festoon the trees.

11 - Ground Dove Walk
Native and Caribbean doves can almost always be seen in this area if it is approached quietly.

12 - Bull Thatch Bend
In the midst of a majestically wooded area, an explosion of Bull Thatch Palms (Thrinax Radiata) creates a rare, lush vista.

13 - Calabash Corner
The deeper soil in this area support the growth of larger trees. Important native trees are being introduced here, some of which may not otherwise be seen due to their inaccessibility or rarity. These include the Calabash (Gourd) tree, the Mastic, and the rare Terminalia Eriostachya.

14 - Smokewood Ponds
This is a network of sinkholes where the habitat changes dramatically from the Dry to Rainy seasons. It is the habitat in which the Smokewood tree (Erythroxylum Aureolatum) thrives.