Mt. quaqua
We negotiated a EC$100 (£30 approx) fee for the hike and headed 200-300 metres down the road in the direction of St Georges, to the trailhead on the right-hand side of the road. At the same time, a friendly young man, called Gemry, introduced himself as our guide to Mount Qua Qua. We then looked up to see a number of tour coaches arrive and within minutes hoards of cap and camera-clad tourists marched in our direction. We were the only people there and at first, we weren’t even sure that the park was open. Here we enquired about a hiking guide as we were unclear as to the difficulty and state of the trail to the summit of Mount Qua Qua. Upon arriving at Grand Etang National Park just after 09:00, we headed straight to the visitor’s centre where we signed in. The national park entrance is situated just off the main road connecting Grenada’s capital, St Georges, with the island’s second biggest town, Grenville. Mount Qua Qua is located in Grand Etang National Park, in Grenada’s mountainous centre. Next, we took the number 6 bus which deposited us right at the entrance to Grand Etang National Park and the starting point of the Mount Qua Qua hike.
“Looking for another Rainforest hike? Head to Concord Falls…”
So, early one morning, our Airbnb hosts dropped us in River Sallee where we jumped on the number 9 bus to Grenville.
Mt. quaqua free#
Fedon’s Mountain is part of the island’s history, named for Julien Fedon, a free man of French and African heritage who led a rebellion against the British in 1795 and hid out in a camp here.Our opportunity arose when we were staying in the village of Bathway, on the northeast coast of Grenada. Ambitious hikers have another two hours to the highest falls. Head up for another 30 minutes to reach the more secluded second falls. You will find many day trippers and campers here.
Concord Falls is a triple waterfalls with a good sized swimming lagoon at the lower falls. These trails take you to Fedon’s Mountain and Concord Falls.
Mt. quaqua professional#
Two of the trails in this National Park of Grenada are recommended only for advance hikers, and it is best to have a professional guide with you. You can also book a guide who will add to your enjoyment with knowledgeable commentary. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are recommended. Wear good hiking shoes for the slippery and often muddy trails. Come prepared for rain, even if it only lasts twenty minutes or so. After that, you’re on your own to follow some well marked hiking trails. There is an interpretive center at the park entrance where you can use toilets. You can see all of Grand Etang Lake and down into St George's and much of the rest of the coastline.īefore you reach the park entrance, there are some food stands where you can get some modest supplies. The hike to the top of Mt Qua Qua is doable, even for children on family vacations, and the view is quite spectacular. Virtually all of Grand Etang National Park is at 2,000 feet or higher above sea level, and at more than 2,700 feet above sea level, its central feature Mt Qua Qua is the highest point on the island. Giant ferns and gum trees, towering mahogany trees, thickets of montane, and other exotic flora cover everything. Delicate hummingbirds hover around exquisite orchids and kingfishers fish in the clear streams. Troops of mona monkey (imported from West Africa) roam the forests. The park is also on the menu of shore excursions offered by most of the liners doing Caribbean cruises that make a port call here for a night or two. Grand Etang National Park is very popular for hiking, and the hikes vary in length and difficulty from less than an hour to four or five hours.