The Main Ridge Forest Reserve was established in 1776, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the world. The reserve was originally known as the Tobago Forest Reserve.

It comprises the main mountainous ridge on the island of Tobago. The highest peak in the reserve is Centre Hill, which rises 572 m (1,877 ft) above sea level. The area includes numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are endemic to Tobago.

In 1963, large parts of the reserve were damage by Hurricane Flora.

The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is about 120 km northeast from Port of Spain.