Pitons
This article is about the Piton mountains of Saint Lucia. For the Pitons of Réunion Island, see Réunion National Park. For the rock climbing tool, see Piton.
The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs, volcanic spires, located in Saint Lucia. Gros Piton is 798.25 m (2,618.9 ft) high, and Petit Piton is 743 m (2,438 ft) high; they are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The Pitons are a World Heritage Site, 2,909 ha (7,190 acres) in size, and located near the town of Soufrière
Geography
The Pitons are located near the towns of Soufrière, Saint Lucia. Soufrière and Choiseul Quarter Choiseul on the southwestern coast of the island. They are in the electoral districts of three and ten. The Pitons are located on either side of the Jalousie Bay.
Geology
The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumaroles and hot springs.
Gros Piton
Gros Piton is at the southern end of Pitons Bay. It is the second-highest peak on Saint Lucia, after Mount Gimie. Gros Piton can be climbed without ropes or mountaineering experience. One can hike to the summit and come back down to the sea-level within several hours. Local guides are available for hire (typically through the resorts) and are trained by the government to have basic knowledge of the languages common among tourists and of the medical procedures required in case of common accidents.
Petit Piton
Petit Piton lies towards the middle of Soufrière Bay, south of Soufrière and north of Gros Piton.
Petit Piton was first climbed in 1878 by Abdome Deligny. The islands of Dominica, Martinique, Barbados, and St. Vincent can be seen from its peak.
In popular culture
Saint Lucia's local brand of beer made by the Windward & Leeward Brewery is named after the Pitons.Both mountains are an attraction for hikers although the Gros Piton peak is more popular since it is an easier climb and tours are offered by The Soufrière Foundation, a non-profit group that is dedicated to help preserve the Pitons Management Area.
