When at a Virgin Gorda lodging and in need for a break from the island's beautiful beaches, you have a fabulous option of hiking the beautiful Gorda Peak in the Gorda Peak National Park. At close to 1,400 feet, the Gorda Peak is the highest point on the entire island. From your Virgin Gorda vacation home, you can easily reach the Gorda Peak National Park. Even if you have never gone hiking, give this one a shot. It does not take too much time, and the views from the tower on the summit will give you great photos.
The Park
Gorda Peak National Park is not all that big at 265 acres. However, being a dry forest area, it is home to a number of endangered birds and animals and many exotic plants indigenous to the region. It's no wonder many people visit the park with the sole intention of studying the plant life or to spend hours watching birds. You will find 2 hiking trails in the park that lead to Gorda Peak. The main trail is the direct one to the top, while the second trail is not as steep as the main trail and takes you through meandering woodland paths.
Birds and Animals
Keep a lookout for the world's tiniest lizard called the Virgin Gordo Gecko. You will also encounter different kinds of non-poisonous snakes, hermit crabs, tree frogs, zebra butterflies and golden orb spiders. A variety of lizards live in the area, like snake lizards, wood slave lizards and man lizards. The birds commonly found in the park include yellow warblers, hummingbirds, grey kingbirds and mockingbirds.
Plant Life
Nature lovers enjoy the trails as much as the views from the top, thanks to the rich variety of exotic herbs and trees along the way. Some of these plants cannot be found anywhere else in the world, like the bill bush shrubs with their small scarlet flowers. There are Christmas orchids, philodendrons, bay trees, poison ash, St. Thomas prickly ash, black wattle, wild tamarind and those deadly bushy plants with poisonous red seeds called crab eyes. Since the area receives less rainfall, you will notice how the leaves have a wax-like texture that minimize water evaporation.
Good to Know
The ascent to the summit should take about 30 to 40 minutes. Make sure you climb up to the tower, from where stunning views of the archipelago are guaranteed. There is not much shade along the trails, so wear a hat and sunscreen lotion. Often people make the mistake of not packing their hiking shoes since a trip to Virgin Gorda is essentially a beach holiday. Attempting to conquer the Gorda Peak in sandals is a big mistake, so be prepared and wear the right shoes. Carry a picnic lunch with you, as there are cute picnic tables at the top and along the trails.
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