DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Joe's River Forest

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
—°3
Joe's River Forest (Barbados)

Weather…

Joe's River Forest is a lush tropical sanctuary located in the parish of St. Joseph on the rugged eastern coast of Barbados. Situated within the Scotland District, this 85-acre forest has a dramatic contrast to the island's flatter southern and western regions. It borders Joe's River, one of the few perennial streams on the island, and provides a vital habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. The forest is characterized by a dense canopy of mahogany, whitewood, and bearded fig trees, the latter being the very species that gave Barbados its name. Hiking through the area reveals steep ridges and deep gullies, with trails that offer glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean through the foliage. It is a prime location for eco-tourism and bird watching, and it is frequently visited by the island's famous green monkeys. Preserving this forest is crucial, as it represents a rare remaining pocket of the diverse tropical woodland that once blanketed Barbados before the colonial era's massive deforestation for sugar cultivation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
This tropical forest is situated in St. Joseph and is generally accessible via the main roads along the east coast, with starting points typically found in the nearby villages.
📅
Best season
The most favorable time to visit is usually during the drier months from December to May, which helps visitors avoid overly muddy and slippery paths along the river course.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The landscape mostly consists of forested trails running alongside the river, which can occasionally be quite uneven and intersected by the prominent roots of mahogany trees.
🎒
What to bring
It is highly recommended to wear sturdy footwear with reliable grip, and to bring sufficient insect repellent along with light, breathable clothing for the humid tropical climate.
🅿️
Parking
Parking spaces can typically be found near the edges of neighboring settlements or at informal spots along the local access roads in St. Joseph, where the walking paths begin.
⚠️
Safety
Because this is a largely untouched natural environment, visitors should watch out for slippery rocks near the water and be mindful of sudden downpours that might occur.
⏱️
Time needed
For a typical walk or an unhurried exploration of this rich woodland area, you should generally plan to spend roughly one to two hours to fully appreciate the local flora.

Geography

Coordinates
13.21500, -59.52500

Facts

  • Area: 15 hectares.
  • Maximum tree height: 30 meters.
  • Annual rainfall: 2500 mm.
  • River length within forest: 2 km.
  • Contains 5 orchid species.
  • Average humidity: 85%.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bathsheba ParkBathsheba Park<1 km · NExplore →
Hackleton's CliffHackleton's Cliff1 km · SWExplore →
Chalky MountChalky Mount1 km · SEExplore →
Shorey VillageShorey Village2 km · SExplore →
Saint Jude'sSaint Jude's3 km · WExplore →
Hunte's GardensHunte's Gardens3 km · SWExplore →
Four Cross RoadsFour Cross Roads3 km · NWExplore →
Long PondLong Pond3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Joe's River Forest (3)

Bathsheba, Barbados📍 landmark

Bathsheba is a village on the east coast of Barbados, known for its rocky shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean.

Joes River📍 landmark

Joes River is a watercourse in eastern Barbados, flowing through forested terrain toward the sea.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens📍 landmark

Andromeda Botanic Gardens are a botanical garden in Bathsheba, featuring tropical plants and landscaped gardens.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Joe's River Forest located?
It is located on the east coast near Bathsheba in the parish of St. Joseph.
What can you do there?
It is a great place for challenging hikes through dense tropical forest.
Is the terrain steep?
Yes, the terrain is very hilly and uneven, requiring good hiking boots.
Are there wild animals there?
You can often see monkeys, birds, and various reptiles in their natural habitat.
Are there tourist facilities?
No, there are no toilets or cafes; bring plenty of water and supplies.
Joe's River Forest: where is it located?
Joe's River Forest is located in Barbados.
Joe's River Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bathsheba, Barbados, Joes River, Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
Joe's River Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Joe's River Forest: why is it worth visiting?
Joe's River Forest is a lush tropical sanctuary located in the parish of St.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America

Nearby cities

Hothersal Turning — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Hothersal Turning
Hothersal Turning is a busy suburb on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Haggatt Hall — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Haggatt Hall
Haggatt Hall is a busy traffic hub and shopping area on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Warrens — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.
Clermont — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Saint Simons — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Saint Simons
Saint Simons is a small village in the parish of Saint Andrew.
Hillaby — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Hillaby
Hillaby is a village in the highlands of Barbados.
Welchman Hall — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Welchman Hall
Welchman Hall is a village in the central highlands of Barbados.
Bloomsbury — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a remote village in the parish of Saint Thomas.
Saint Silas — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Saint Silas
Saint Silas is a community in the parish of Saint James.
🗺️
Boarded Hall
Boarded Hall is a village on the border of Saint George and Christ Church.
Bentleys — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Bentleys
Bentleys is a village in the parish of Christ Church.
Coverley — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Coverley
Coverley is a modern planned town in the parish of Christ Church.
Newton Terrace — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Newton Terrace
Newton Terrace is an established residential area in the parish of Christ Church.
Charnocks — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Charnocks
Charnocks is a community in the parish of Christ Church, bordering the airport grounds.
Oistins — Joe's River Forest (Barbados)
Oistins
Oistins is a major coastal town in the south of Barbados.