Mitan (Middle)

Mitan (Middle) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Rivière Mitan; Mitan Medium; Riviere mitan medium, Middle Mitan.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.4 (6 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3B III (v3a2 II) Raps:‌17, max ↨148ft Metric Overall: 3-5.5h Approach: 1-2h Descent: 2-3h Exit: 5-15min No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Location:	14.7115, -61.1210
Condition Reports:	29 Dec 2024 "The upper portion of the canyon has been damaged by a large landslide. The material seemed freshly deposited and we took care not to disturb any debri
Weather:
Best season:	Anytime, best after rains winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	Central America Caribbean Martinique

http://descente-canyon.com/canyoning/canyon-description/23379?kmlidxna,http://ankanionla-madinina.com/Martinique/Pitons/Riviere%20Mitan%20Medium.htm?kmlidxna,https://www.lukaseddy.com/canyons-of-martinique

14.7115, -61.1210https://ropewiki.com/images/0/0d/Mitan_%28Middle%29.kmlfrtopo

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Introduction

A great canyon when it has water flow, which is generally only after heavy rains. The canyon does not slot up, and it's more of a stream down a mountainside. There aren't really any jumps or swims. This is not a stand-out canyon on Martinique - there are other, better canyons. That said, the canyon is pretty and fun for a half-day adventure.

Approach

Park at the obvious parking area at the end of the road. There is a picnic area here. The trail starts behind the sign, and is not obvious at first. Use the gps file on this page for guidance, but remember the GPS was recorded under the thick forest canopy, and may be slightly inaccurate.

The parking area

The trail starts here, though it's not obvious at first

The trail cuts straight up the ridge in the rainforest. It's relentlessly steep, and you'll be using your hands for much of it. It is very easy to follow, however.

The steep trail

Drone shot of the trail, which starts lower-left and cuts up the ridge to near the center of this photo

After maybe 40 minutes of tough effort, you'll arrive at an intersection marking the turnoff to the canyon. There is a PVC pipe here marking the turnoff.

The turnoff

The PVC pipe marking the turnoff

The turnoff is a good place to harness up. From the turnoff, the route becomes a steep, exposed bushwhack with fixed ropes. A fall at places could be fatal, but it's easy and safe to clip into the ropes. Follow the ropes across a steep, fern-covered slope, and down through the forest to the start of the canyon.

Ropes on the approach, protecting decent exposure

The unmissable start of the canyon

Descent

Mitan Medium has a total of 17 rappels, though some might be downclimbable with a handline. In general, waterflow picks up as the canyon progresses. Most rappels are well-bolted, and some have v-threads or are tied to a tree.

Anchor at one of the first rappels

Early rappel into a small pothole

After several rappels, the canyon intersects with another ravine, which adds some water. The rappels tend to gradually increase in size.

Intersection with another ravine

Another rappel

Midway through the canyon, you'll reach the largest rappel, around 40m. There is an odd variety of anchors at the top, which seems safe.

Anchors on the big rap

The big rappel from below

After this rappel is another big one, of 30 meters. Then more, smaller rappels.

The 30m rappel

Yet another pretty rappel

The final section has a gorgeous fluted rappel through a redirect, then a final waterfall into a small pool before the canyon intersects with the exit trail.

Suhei Eddy on the fluted rappel

The final waterfall, just before the exit

Exit

The canyon ends when the stream intersects with an obvious and well-used trail. At the trail, turn left and walk up the gradual ascent to your car a short distance.

Exit trail

Red tape

No red tape.

Beta sites

• Descente-Canyon.com  : Mitan (médiane)
• An Kanion La-madinina  : Mitan Médium
• LukasEddy.com  : Canyons of Martinique

Background

Credits

Mitan (Middle)

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).