Hikes · Saint-Benoît
The island's only high-altitude lake of volcanic origin: about 6,000 years ago, lava flows from Piton de la Fournaise dammed the Bras d'Annette valley. A path circles the lake beneath tree ferns and leads to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls.
Hike : ≈ 2 h 30 loop including the waterfalls (7.8 km) · ≈ 100 m ascent · Easy
Access via the concrete track signposted “Grand Étang” off the Plaine-des-Palmistes road (RN3), up to the car park. The path is often muddy and one stretch along the shore has a handrail: when the lake overflows after heavy rain, the path can be flooded and the ONF sometimes closes it. Check trail status before setting off. Leave nothing visible in the car at the car park.