The oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere was established on Tobago in the late 18th century. That should be your first clue that this rain forest, Tobago Forest Reserve, is known for its stunning natural beauty. To reach it from Scarborough, take the narrow Windward Road that meanders along the southern coast through tiny hamlets and jungle valleys, past brown-sand beaches—all with a mountainous backdrop. Outside Roxborough, you'll find guides waiting at the entrance to the three-tiered Argyle Falls. They'll lead you along a 20-minute hike, adding naturalist tips and folklore, for about US$4. From Roxborough, the Roxborough Parlatuvier Road that crosses Tobago will take you into the reserve. Gilpin Trail, the most accessible hiking path through the preserve, can be steep and slippery, but the rewards are worth the effort: panoramic views of Bloody Bay. The trail winds through dense growths of elephant-ear philodendrons and ferns beneath a forest canopy 60 ft/18 m high. Parrots, hummingbirds and trogons flash in the greenery. Tobago Forest won Tobago the prize of Best Eco Destination in the World from 2004-06. 11 mi/18 km northeast of Scarborough.
