Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve sits in the mountainous interior of Grenada, a 20 to 30 minute drive up from St. George's. Its centerpiece is Grand Etang Lake, a freshwater crater lake about 530 meters above sea level, covering roughly 36 acres. Around it are rainforest and cloud forest trails, including an easy shoreline loop of about two kilometers and a tougher ridge walk up Mount Qua Qua. Mona monkeys are often seen near the main viewing area and are used to visitors, though they should never be fed. The visitor complex has viewpoints, picnic shelters, parking, washrooms and food and drink stalls, and the Grenada Tourism Authority lists a small entrance fee of about US$2. The air is noticeably cooler than on the coast, and rain showers are common.
What to do: most people stop for the view and the monkeys, walk the shoreline loop and then drive on. If you have more time, shorter trails such as Morne LaBaye and Beausejour lead to viewpoints, and Mount Qua Qua is a longer, more demanding hike through dense forest. Several of the island's other walks, including the Seven Sisters waterfall trail, begin in or near the reserve, so it is the natural base for a hiking day.
What to know: it rains often in the interior and the trails can be muddy, so start early and wear shoes with grip. Bring insect repellent, a light rain jacket and water. Do not feed or approach the monkeys, which can bite. The reserve is managed by two bodies, with tourism facilities run by the ministry and the trails run by the forestry and national parks department, so conditions on individual trails can vary.
Fitting it in: Grand Etang is usually combined with Annandale Falls on the way up, a spice or chocolate stop and a lunch on a half-day or full-day island tour. If you are driving yourself, expect narrow, winding roads and take your time.
What to expect
The experience
A cool, forested crater lake with a visitor complex, viewpoints and trails ranging from short strolls to ridge hikes.
Best time
Early morning, before clouds and rain build over the interior.
How long
One hour for the lake and monkeys, up to three hours with a longer trail.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, bring a rain jacket and repellent, and keep your distance from the monkeys.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and anyone who wants a cool break from the coast with easy wildlife.
- Families
- The shoreline loop is manageable for children, but keep them close and away from the monkeys.
- Couples
- A misty lake walk early in the day is atmospheric, especially after a coastal start.
- Pair with
- Annandale Falls, Seven Sisters waterfalls and a chocolate or spice stop.
- Time needed
- Two hours including the drive up from the coast.
Good questions
What is Grand Etang Lake?+
It is a freshwater crater lake about 530 meters above sea level, covering roughly 36 acres. A trail loops around the shore for about two kilometers.
Are there monkeys at Grand Etang?+
Yes, Mona monkeys are often seen near the main viewing area and along the road. They are used to people, but you should not feed them.
How much does it cost to enter?+
The Grenada Tourism Authority lists a small fee of about US$2. Confirm the current amount at the gate.
How far is it from St. George's?+
It is roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive up into the interior. The roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time.
What should I wear?+
Wear shoes with grip, light layers and a rain jacket, because showers are common. Insect repellent helps on forest trails.