Middleham Falls

Middleham Falls – highest waterfall in Dominica

Middleham Falls is more than just a waterfall—it’s an expedition into the heart of Dominica’s rainforest, where nature surrounds you in all its untamed beauty. Every step along the trail draws you deeper into lush vegetation, winding past towering tree roots, crystal-clear streams, and dense foliage that seems untouched by human hands. The journey itself is an adventure, rewarding hikers with a breathtaking view of Dominica’s tallest waterfall, where water plunges 61 meters into the rocky pool below.

Hike to Middleham Falls

The hike to Middleham Falls is no leisurely walk on flat ground — it’s a real trek that will test your endurance. As soon as you leave the parking area, the first challenge awaits: crossing a small stream by stepping on rocks. But be careful — they’re slippery. While helping the children across, I ended up slipping and falling into the water myself.

Then, the trail leads you into the forest, where wooden walkways help keep you out of the mud.

The trail immediately begins to ascend, challenging hikers with slippery rocks, fallen branches, and sections where you need to use your hands for support. Our children absolutely love this kind of terrain, and before we knew it, they had disappeared from sight, racing ahead with excitement.

Every step required caution, as the surface was slippery in places due to the rainforest’s moisture. After about 30 minutes, we reached the highest point, where an awe-inspiring view unfolded before us. An endless sea of green stretching as far as the eye could see.

Small waterfall and crossing over the rocks

After a short break, we continued onward. Soon, we reached a small waterfall, its clear water cascading onto the path. The cool stream and gentle trickling sound added to the peaceful atmosphere — just a glimpse of what awaited us ahead.

And so the descent begins. From here, the terrain changes — forest soil gives way to massive rocks and boulders that we had to literally climb over. Some were covered in moss, while others were slick from the constant mist of the rainforest.

Every step was a test of balance — we had to hold onto rocks, navigate narrow edges, and carefully choose where to place our feet. Any hesitation could mean slipping and falling, yet this only added to the adventure.

After 15 minutes of descending, a viewing platform appeared before us—and at last, we saw Middleham Falls in all its glory. The towering cascade plunged into the pool below, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the rainforest.

First view of Middleham Falls 🌿💦

The waterfall towered before us like a massive wall of water, crashing down from an impressive height with a thunderous roar. Its powerful spray reached all the way to the platform, making it feel as though rain was falling around us. We were grateful for our raincoats — not for the rain, but for the mist.
As the sunlight hit the rushing water, multiple rainbows formed, adding to the magic of the scene. Standing there, surrounded by the rainforest, our hearts still pounding from the hike and our eyes locked onto the breathtaking cascade, we knew this place is one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌿💦
The cherry on top? We had it all to ourselves, until, after some time, a guided group arrived. Without hesitation, we arranged a tour with their guide to explore Boiling Lake next.

Waterfall and pond

Middleham Falls is simply breathtaking. Water plunges from an impressive height, creating a powerful stream that crashes against the rocks. The pool beneath the waterfall is cold but not very deep—you won’t be able to swim in it. Instead, it offers a refreshing break after the challenging hike. However, to reach it, you still have about 10 more minutes of trekking ahead.

A rainforest full of colour and unique flora

As we looked at the trees, we noticed leaves that were bright green on one side and deep red on the other. With each movement in the wind, they gently flipped, changing color as they swayed — a mesmerizing sight that added to the magic of the rainforest.

One of the fascinating plants we encountered was Red Ginger. Not only does this striking plant enhance the beauty of tropical landscapes, but it’s also used in traditional medicine.

In addition, you’ll come across Heliconia, a plant with striking red flowers edged in yellow or orange, resembling a toucan’s beak. Its vibrant colors attract hummingbirds, which eagerly feed on its nectar, making it a beautiful and dynamic part of the rainforest ecosystem.

Entrance fee and the way to the waterfall

Signage in Dominica isn’t perfect, so we relied on offline Google Maps to find the right route. The parking area is spacious, though completely empty when we arrived.
The drive from Roseau takes about 30 minutes, winding through charming villages and dense rainforest. Once at the parking lot, a 1.8 km hike awaits. We managed to complete it in 45 minutes one way.

Since the waterfall is located within a national park, a ticket is required for entry. When we arrived, there was no one to sell us one. However, on our way back, we encountered a park ranger and purchased a multi-day pass, which granted access to all the waterfalls in the park—including Trafalgar Falls and Boiling Lake.

You can combine a visit to Middleham Falls with a trip to nearby Trafalgar Falls, which is just about a 10-minute walk away. This makes it easy to explore both stunning waterfalls in a single outing, immersing yourself in Dominica’s breathtaking natural beauty.