Information
Landmark: Spanny FallsCity: La Plaine
Country: Dominica
Continent: North America
Spanny Falls, La Plaine, Dominica, North America
Overview
Spanny Falls, often called Spanny’s Twin Falls, cascades through Dominica’s lush rainforest, the air thick with the scent of wet leaves on this “Nature Island” of the Caribbean.Tucked away in Dominica, this hidden gem invites you to unwind in nature, with quiet forest paths, cool waterfalls misting the air, and clear pools perfect for a swim.Spanny Falls sits just outside the quiet village of Penrice in St. Joseph Parish, at the heart of Dominica, where you can hear the rush of water from the nearby hills.You can reach it with a quick 20–30 minute drive from Roseau or from other nearby towns, the road winding past bright green hills along the way.Spanny Falls boasts two separate cascades, drawing both hikers and daydreamers; the first, Lower Spanny Falls, is easier to reach and greets visitors with cool mist on their cheeks.Water tumbles in a wild rush into a crystal-clear pool, cool enough to sting your toes, with dense green leaves crowding around its edges.The pool’s perfect for swimming, and on hot afternoons you’ll find visitors splashing in its cool, clear water.Upper Spanny Falls, the second waterfall, lies deep in the rainforest, and getting there means tackling a short hike that’s steeper and rougher underfoot.It’s tucked away and rarely busy, a quiet spot where you might hear only the rustle of leaves as you wander deeper.The upper falls are just as striking, where calm water slips over the rocks and the air smells clean and cool.The walk to Lower Spanny Falls is an easy one, about 10 to 15 minutes from the trailhead, with soft leaves crunching underfoot as you go.Reaching Upper Spanny Falls tacks on another 10–20 minutes, with steep trails that wind through thick, damp greenery.The trail starts on private land, and visitors typically pay about $5 each to enter-just enough to cover the hand-painted sign at the gate.Hiking the trails lets you step right into Dominica’s lush rainforest, where the air smells of wet earth and every turn reveals new bursts of vibrant wildlife.Seasoned hikers will find the climb to the upper falls a real adventure, with the rush of cold spray greeting them at the top.The natural pools beneath both waterfalls make the perfect spot for a cool, refreshing swim, with sunlight glinting off the rippling surface.With its thundering cascades, lush green forest, and calm pools that catch the light, Spanny Falls is a dream spot for anyone who loves photography.As you walk the trail, keep an eye out for Dominica’s native life-brightly feathered birds flitting between branches, lush green plants tucked in the shade, and tiny insects buzzing in the warm air.If you’re heading to Spanny Falls, aim for the dry season from December to May, when the paths stay firm underfoot and warm breezes make the hike a pleasure.From June to November, heavy rains swell the waterfalls into roaring white curtains, but the trails turn slick and tricky underfoot.Heading to Spanny Falls?Wear solid hiking boots or tough sneakers-you’ll need them when the path turns slick with mud and twists over uneven ground.Pack a swimsuit and a towel-the clear, cool pools at the foot of the falls will pull you in.Don’t forget the basics-pack water, a handful of snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.Hire a guide.The path to the first waterfall is simple enough, but a local’s stories and steady pace can turn the trek to the second falls into something you’ll remember-perhaps the scent of wet cedar underfoot.Respect nature, and follow the “Leave No Trace” principle so the trails stay as quiet and untouched as the morning air.Emerald Pool, a shimmering waterfall that spills into a cool, clear basin, sits just a short walk inside Morne Trois Pitons National Park.Middleham Falls rises in a roaring white curtain, one of Dominica’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.The Layou River, Dominica’s longest, winds through lush valleys and invites you to drift along in a tube or paddle a kayak past cool, shaded banks.So why make the trip to Spanny Falls?If you’re craving a quiet escape, Spanny Falls should be on your list-its gentle rush of water and cool mist make the world slow down.With its easy access, stunning views, and plenty of ways to explore, it’s the kind of place solo travelers, couples, and families all love-whether that’s hiking a sunlit trail or simply relaxing by the water.You might dive into the cool, clear water, trek beneath towering rainforest canopies, or just stand still, taking in the lush green all around-either way, Spanny Falls delivers a Dominica experience you won’t forget.
