Trou de Fer Gorge Hike

The Trou de Fer, or Iron Hole, is a deep, narrow canyon in the Salazie region of north-east Réunion, fed by waterfalls dropping from the Bélouve plateau. This hike heads to a viewpoint over the gorge from a trailhead above Grand Îlet in the commune of Salazie, reached by driving the RD48 to Grand Îlet and parking near the trailhead sign. No public bus serves the start, so a car is needed. The round trip is about 14 km and takes five to six hours, with roughly 400 m of ascent, placing it in the moderate range. The path runs through damp forest and over stretches of wet earth, roots and stone, and it can be very muddy, so waterproof shoes and trekking poles are useful. Shade is plentiful under the canopy, but the area is frequently misty and rain can arrive at any time of year. Along the way hikers pass patches of tree ferns and moss-covered trunks, and the final approach leads to railed viewpoints looking down into the gorge and its stacked cascades. Visibility depends heavily on cloud, and the canyon can be fully hidden in fog, so clear mornings are worth waiting for. Turning around at the first viewpoints is a reasonable option for tired hikers. There are no refuge huts on the route and no dependable water source, so around 2.5 litres should be carried. Edges near the gorge are steep and should be treated with respect, especially on slippery ground. Hikers wishing for a longer experience can combine this walk with the Bélouve forest area nearby, although doing so adds distance and requires careful planning of daylight and transport.