The most popular area in Grenada for hiking and trekking is undoubtedly the rainforest of the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, rising up to 2000 feet in the mountains of the island's interior. The focal point of the forest reserve is Grand Etang Lake, which, at 1700 feet above sea level, fills the crater of one of the island's extinct volcanos. The rainforest around the lake holds a stunning diversity of flora and fauna. Vibrant tropical birds, tiny frogs and lizards, and rare orchids are found in the dense rainforest, and the trails meander around the area's splendid waterfalls as well as the azure waters of Grand Etang Lake. The visitors' center provides a great introduction to the island's indigenous wildlife, vegetation, history and culture. It's also the starting point for many of the walks, hikes and treks that can be taken through this beautiful area. Hikes at Grand Etang range from easy 15-minute jaunts to rigorous expeditions of several hours. For intrepid hikers, the Concord Falls trail takes you to the cave-like recess of Fedon's Camp. The camp was the strategic base of Julien Fedon, a Grenadian of French origin who led a slave uprising against the British in 1765 which eventually lead to the outlawing of slavery in 1834. This well-maintained but arduous trail takes you deep into the very heart of the Grand Etang rainforest.
La Sagesse Nature Centre, a quiet mangrove estuary along the southwestern coast, is one of the best bird-watching locales on Grenada. In addition to the estuary, La Sagesse includes three fine beaches edged with palm trees, a very good coral reef for snorkeling and a pristine example of dry thorn scrub and cactus woodland. The Centre's salt pond attracts an abundance of different avian species. La Sagesse also maintains a small, four-room guesthouse and a restaurant that serves a tasty lunch.
The 450-acre Levera National Park is believed by many to be Grenada's most scenic and spectacular coastal area. Its dramatically beautiful beach is popular on weekends, and its lagoon is one of the most important wildlife habitats on the island: a huge mangrove swamp that's a haven for an abundance of bird species. The waters off Levera's beaches are equally esteemed, with outstanding coral reefs and sea grass beds that shelter lobsters and colorful reef fishes. The beaches are also a hatchery for sea turtles, which are protected from May to September. Among the pleasant walks at Levera is a trail that circles the lagoon.
