The trail is a restored 200-year-old footpath through a 2-million-year-old woodland area in the heart of the island. Lying west of Frank Sound Road, about a 45-minute drive from the heart of George Town, the trail showcases the Mastic Reserve's natural attractions, including a native mangrove swamp, traditional agriculture, and an ancient woodland area, home to the largest variety of native plant and animal life in the Cayman Islands. The trail is supervised and maintained in safe and unobstructed repair by a government-appointed field agent, but during periods of heavy rain, the southern end is likely to be flooded. The government therefore recommends that during periods of prolonged rainfall, hikers approach the trail from the northern end, off Further Road, North Side, as opposed to via the southern end, off Frank Sound Road. Guided tours of the trail, organized by the Cayman Islands National Trust, are scheduled every Wednesday at 9am, and every fourth Saturday, also at 9am. Tours last 2 to 3 hours each, and are limited to a maximum of 15 participants. Reservations are strongly recommended, and the cost is US$25 (£13) per person. The hike is not recommended for children under 6, the elderly, or persons with physical disabilities. The trail is flat, and gravelly or sandy. If you're in relatively well-maintained shape, you should not find it particularly challenging. Be sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes and carry water and insect repellent. For tour reservations, call The National Trust tel. 345/949-0121. If the schedule for these organized tours isn't convenient, you can stop into the headquarters of the National Trust on South Church Street, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, for a self-guided walking tour/map of the trail. The map describes the botanical and geological features you're likely to see en route, and costs CI$5 (US$6.25/£3).

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Portable Cayman Islands, 3rd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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