Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VirginGordaBaths(
www.virgingordabaths.com
)
The website for a tour operator, but it
has good general information about the island, attractions and beaches.
Mid-Island
Steep mountain slopes rise along Virgin Gorda's mid-section, culminating at hike-worthy
Gorda Peak National Park. Pretty beaches fringe the western coast.
Sights
Gorda Peak National Park
PARK
At 1359 feet, Gorda Peak is the island's highest point. The park protects all of the island
above 1000 feet and creates a nature preserve of 265 acres. Both of the trails leading to the
summit branch off North Sound Rd and are well marked.
If you are coming from the Valley, the first trailhead you see marks the start of the longer
trail (about 1½ miles). This trail makes a moderate climb to the summit, where you will
find a few picnic tables, an observation tower and a portable toilet. The second trailhead is
farther north along North Sound Rd. From here, you have a relatively easy half-mile climb
to the summit. En route on both trails you'll see Christmas orchids, bromeliads (pineapple
family members) and hummingbirds. The lookout tower at the top provides vistas of the
entire archipelago.
Beaches
A short distance north of the Valley,
Savannah Bay
features more than a mile of white
sand, largely protected from the worst of the northerly swells that come during the winter
by a barrier reef. Except for the beaches of Anegada, no other beach provides the same
opportunities for long, solitary walks. Sunsets here can be fabulous. There are no facilities
and not much shade, so come prepared. A small sign off North Sound Rd points the way;
the road leads to a little parking area.
Heading north, the strand of gently curving beach and vivid blue water at Mango Bay
Resort is called
MahoeBay
. You'll have to park at and walk through Mango's facilities to
reach it, but staff is nonchalant.
