With a recent focus on preserving and protecting the island’s ecology, the best of Grenada walking can be experienced in some of these national parks and reserves. The protected areas range from the rainforest area of the Grand Etang Forest Reserve to the La Sagesse Estuary area that protects the mangroves in the southwest of the island. Here are our recommendations for the best walking trails in Granada.
Forest Reserve and Grand Etang Lake
The Grand Etang Lake fills the crater of an extinct volcano and is located in the center of the rainforest. There is rich and diverse vegetation in this area. It is possible to see rare orchids, lizards and frogs among tropical flowers in the lush vegetation. There are various hummingbirds, the Broad-winged Hawk, and the Lesser Antillean Swift to watch along with opossums, mongooses, and the mona monkey. This is Grenada’s most popular area of walking trails, and it’s not surprising. Here are a handful of hiking trails to experience:
Lake Circle Trail
This is only about a 30 minute walk that takes you around the perimeter of the lake. Great views of the lake itself, and keep your eyes peeled for wild hibiscus and orchids growing in the trees.
Trail of the seven sisters
A challenging 3-hour hike that will take the hiker through seven beautiful waterfalls. The hike begins in a patch of banana and nutmeg trees and then plunges into an area of virgin forest. Take a guide to be safe in this case.
Mount Qua Qua Trail
Reach over 2,000 feet in elevation on this hike that takes you past the lake and onto the upper slopes and elven mountain forests. You will experience cooler temperatures and could be slippery and steep in spots. It is possible to experience several ecosystems in this 90-minute hike as well as the pleasure of fantastic panoramas through clearings.
concord falls
The Concord Falls walk links from the Mt Qua Qua trail, so if you want to try this, mention it to your hike guide. After about an hour the trail under the rainforest canopy, winds past streams and over some hills to the falls. There are three falls, one at the bottom that is now a tourist attraction, and the lesser known upper falls that are not to be missed. Bring your bathing suit as you will have the chance to enjoy the water. The third fall is about 2 hours of hiking up the hillside.
Levera National Park
Moving away from the Grand Etang, we look at the Levera National Park. With 450 acres to explore, Levera contains some of the best coastal scenery in Grenada. It has a very important lagoon that is home to mangroves and a variety of birds. Try the path that borders the lagoon for a pleasant walk.
The Wisdom Nature Center
One of the best places to watch birds on the island of Grenada is this natural center in the southwest. In addition, the 3 beautiful beaches offer fantastic snorkeling, a cactus forest and a salt pond. Many varieties of birds are drawn to the salt pond, and you may see Caribbean coot, green-backed heron, and brown-crested flycatcher.