With a recent focus on preserving and protecting the island’s ecology, the best of Grenada hiking 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.
Grand Etang Lake and Forest Reserve
Grand Etang Lake fills the crater of an extinct volcano and is in the center of the rainforest. There is a rich and diverse vegetation in this area. It is possible to spot rare orchids, lizards and frogs among the tropical flowers of the lush vegetation. There are several hummingbirds, the broad-winged hawk, and the Lesser Antilles swift to observe along with the possums, mongooses, and the cute monkey. This is the most popular walking trail area in Granada, and it’s not surprising. Here are some hiking trails to experience:
Lake Circle Trail
This is about a 30 minute walk that takes you around the perimeter of the lake. Great views of the lake and keep your eyes peeled for wild hibiscus and orchids growing on the trees.
Trail of the Seven Sisters
A challenging 3 hour hike that will take the hiker past seven beautiful waterfalls. The hike begins in a patch of bananas and nutmeg and then plunges into an area of virgin forest. Take a guide to be safe on this one.
Mount Qua Qua Trail
Reach over 2000 feet in elevation with this hike that takes you past the lake and then onto the upper slopes and mountainous elven forests. You will experience cooler temperatures and it could be slippery and steep in spots. It is possible to experience various ecosystems on this 90-minute walk in addition to the pleasure of fantastic panoramas through clearings.
Concord falls
The Concord Falls hike connects from the Mt Qua Qua trail, so if you want to give this a try, mention it to your walking guide. After about an hour, the trail under the rainforest canopy, 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 should not be missed. Bring your bathing suit as you will have the opportunity to enjoy the water. The third waterfall is about a 2 hour hike up the hillside.
Levera National Park
Moving away from Grand Etang, we look at Levera National Park. With 450 acres to explore, Levera contains some of the best coastal scenery in Granada. It has a very important lagoon that houses mangroves and a variety of birds. Try the trail around the lagoon for a nice walk.
La Sagesse Nature Center
One of the best places for bird watching 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 attracted to the salt pond, and you may see the Caribbean coot, green-backed heron, and brown-crested flycatcher.
