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Hiking to the Summit of Mount Qua Qua
Introduction
The Mount Qua Qua hike is one of the adventures that we had added to our ‘must-do’ list prior to arriving in Grenada. We were desperate to select a day when little or no rain was forecast. We had read plenty of negative reviews of individuals and groups whose hikes had been miserable or even dangerous, following heavy rainfall on the trail.
We were in Grenada during December/January, which is the transition between the dry and wet seasons. Being located in the rainforest-covered, mountainous interior of Grenada, we knew that finding a rain-free day was not going to be easy.
Our opportunity arose when we were staying in the village of Bathway, on the northeast coast of Grenada. Early one morning, our Airbnb hosts dropped us in River Sallee where we jumped on the number 9 bus to Grenville. Here we changed and 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.
Where is Mount Qua Qua?
Mount Qua Qua is located in Grand Etang National Park, in Grenada’s mountainous centre. 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.
Finding a Guide
Upon arriving at Grand Etang National Park just after 09:00, we headed straight to the visitor’s centre where we were asked to sign in. 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. We were pretty much the only people there and at first, weren’t even sure that the park was open.
As Didem and I discussed this, we looked up to see a number of tour coaches arrive and within minutes hoards of cap and camera clad tourists marched in our direction. Thankfully, at the same time, a friendly young man, called Gemry, introduced himself as our guide to Mount Qua Qua.
The Mount Qua Qua Hike
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.
The first section of the trail is relatively flat and leads you through pleasant forest on a well-defined track. After a short distance, there is a route off to your right which will lead you down to Grand Etang Lake and the Shoreline Trail, if you fancy a little further exploring.
At this point, the Mount Qua Qua hike gradient increases but some helpful man-made steps have been integrated into all the steeper sections to aid your climb.
The forest does a great job of acting as a natural windbreak as the trail winds its way up the ridge. The canopy also works nicely as a parasol, shielding you from the strong Caribbean sunshine.
Views Open Up!
As the elevation increases, the canopy gradually opens up and regular gaps begin to appear in the undergrowth off to both left and right. You will now catch glimpses of the sparkling ocean beyond the thick carpet of dark, lush forest.
If you are anything like us, you will probably find yourself stopping at regular intervals to marvel at the wide variety of exquisite views on offer. Grand Etang Lake will also now come in to view behind you and what a view that is! A glistening lake encircled by light green vegetation, with a backdrop of craggy dark green peaks. A photographer’s dream for sure!
Up on the Ridge
As the Mount Qua Qua hike leads you on the final stretch towards the summit, you really get a sense that you are walking along a mountain ridge. The forest that was acting as a shield a little further back, is now a little thinner. You are now fully exposed to both the sun and those strong, gusty easterly prevailing winds.
Summit
A short distance from the summit, there is a path leading off to the left. This will take you to Concord Falls if you are looking for additional hiking excitement.
There is certainly no mistaking the point at which you reach the summit of Mount Qua Qua. For one, the path simply ends. Secondly, there is an enormous boulder which is frankly hard to miss!
If you want some extra sumptuous views, scramble on top of the summit stone and marvel at the wide-ranging vistas across Grenada’s east coast. Please be careful as there is one heck of a drop from the far side of this stone.
Once you have soaked in the splendour of the summit views, it is time to begin the descent.
Enjoy!
