Absalon and Agathe
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| | Raps:6, max ↨66ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Anytime, flows all year
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14.6705, -61.0947
14.6769, -61.0950
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Waterflow
Introduction
Absalon + Agathe is a short canyoneering route of two adjacent ravines. This is considered a beginner route, with easy access, small rappels, excellent anchors and no major hazards.
This route is easily accessed and can be done in only a few hours. It's probably a good first canyon to do on Martinique. After rains, flow may be heavier, and the canyon more fun.
The stream is easily visible on the entire approach, and the canyon can be quickly escaped at most points.
Approach
Park at the old power station. There are several mean-looking pitbulls here that are chained up 24/7.
From the parking lot, head down the steps to the south into the ravine. This is an excellent trail used by numerous hikers and walkers.
Follow this main trail for around 15 minutes. You'll have good views of the stream and flow levels.
There is a distinct concrete block on the left of the trail where the canyon starts. It's easy to miss this point. Remember, this canyon's gpx track was recorded in the forest, and may be slightly off. Use the photo below.
This concrete block makes a good place to suit up before starting the route.
Descent
Once in the stream, head downstream. In only a few minutes, you're arrive at a waterfall into a slot. This is the first rappel.
The canyon then opens, and there are a few downclimbs and small rappels and swims.
After this section, on the left is a basic trail cutting up the hill away from the stream. Take this trail. This trail goes up to the Agathe Ravine.
The trail to Agathe is short, maybe 10-15 minutes. You then arrive at a small stream which drops off into a stunning slot. This slot is narrow, dark, and rare for Martinique. Rappel in!
Inside this slot, there are several small rappels and downclimbs in flowing water.
The slot opens, all too soon, and you're back at the Absalon stream. The route, unfortunately, is over.
Exit
After descending Agathe, head upriver for just a few minutes, until just below the turnoff for the trail up to Agathe that you already walked. On the right-downcanyon bank is a small, steep trail heading up the bank of the creek. Follow this trail up for a few minutes back to the main path along the stream. Follow the main path back to your car.
Red tape
No red tape.
Beta sites
-
Descente-Canyon.com : Absalon et ravine Agathe -
Icopro.org : Rivière Absalon et ravine Agathe - An Kanion La-madinina : Absalon-ravine Agathe
- Mur d'Eau Caraibe : Absalon Ravine Agathe
- An Kanion La-madinina : Absalon - Ravine Agathe [PC-1]
- LukasEddy.com : Canyons of Martinique
Trip reports and media
Background
Probably first descended in the 1990s by local canyoneers. Today, guided groups occasionally go down it.
There have been some cases of leptospirosis in this stream. Risk of catching this disease is generally highest after heavy rains. Keep your cuts clean, before and after the canyon, and do not drink the water.
