How To Spend a Day at Grand Etang National Park, Grenada
Visiting Grand Etang National Park will land you in the heart of Grenada’s luscious highlands, where emerald forests, mist-shrouded peaks, and a crater lake wait for you. This protected reserve sits within the island’s Mega Mountains range and offers you a cool contrast to coastal beaches and a refreshing taste of tropical rainforest. Whether you’re drawn in by birdwatching, waterfall treks, or iconic encounters with Mona monkeys, Grand Etang National Park is here to give you the most authentic island experience.
What is Grand Etang National Park?
This epic national park was established in 1992 and covers an area of 3,816 acres. ‘Grand Etang’ is derived from the French for ‘large lake’, the clue is in the name!
Located in the centre of Grenada, it’s home to a huge crater lake. Drive up to the park along winding roads until you reach the mountains to discover this hidden gem. The park is also complete with a handy visitor centre. This natural wonder is centered around the magnificent Grand Etang lake.
Towering trees have formed a canopy creating a rainforest habitat which attracts unusual species. Guided tours are a popular choice for those looking to see the park in all it’s glory.
But, if you’re one of those people who like to study the menu online before you go to the restaurant, we’ve done the hard work for you and highlighted the must-sees in this blog.
Why Visit Grand Etang National Park on Your Grenada Holidays
Travel planners will often steer you towards places with things like highlight beaches and spice plantations, but Grand Etang National Park deserves a spot at the top of every itinerary, thanks to the plethora of things to do.
A few of the things that make this national park such a treasure include:
- Covers more than 3,000 acres of tropical rainforest.
- Reaches altitudes over 2,700 feet, offering cooler temperatures and unique ecosystems.
- Offers easy access from the south coast, just a 45-minute drive from St. George’s.
On a Grenada holiday’s itinerary, you should allot at least half a day here to soak in the lake views, hike forest trails, and observe wildlife. Plan your visit around the dry season (January to May) when trails stay firm and waterfalls flow steadily.
Exploring the Mega Mountains of Grand Etang
The Mega Mountains dominate the island’s centre and form the backbone of Grand Etang National Park. Peaks like Mount Qua Qua (2,346 ft | 715 m) and Mount Saint Catherine (2,756 ft | 840 m) surround the crater basin to create dramatic valleys and steep ridges. Hiking up to ridge viewpoints leaves you with panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and neighbouring islands on clear days.
Key facts about the Mega Mountains:
- Volcanic in origin, dating back over one million years.
- Support montane forests that house rare orchids and bromeliads.
- Has hidden streams that feed into Grand Etang Lake below.
Whether you’re heading out on a guided nature walk or tackling self-guided paths, these mountains show off Grenada’s geological story in every ridge and valley.
Grand Etang Lake
Then it’s on to Grand Etang Lake. A breathtaking national beauty that encompasses years of ancient history. Situated at the heart of the park, the lake sits proudly at 530m above sea level and is roughly 6m deep. Rumour has it the lake is home to a magical mermaid who lures men to their watery deaths. So beware gents!
Measuring 36 hectares the azure lake presents the perfect opportunity for a hike around its perimeter. Surrounded by jungle and rainforest a gentle jaunt around the picturesque lake takes about an hour and a half with dazzling views all round.
Can You Swim in Grand Etang Lake?
Unlike the waterfalls we’ll discuss in a moment, unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in Grand Etang Lake. That may have something to do with the mermaid stories or it could be more entangled with the knowledge that, because of its unstable bottom, the lake is considered a danger to swimmers.
In addition, as you will see from this piece and visiting the National Park, the forests around the lake are teeming with life – all of which rely on the lake for water and food. Humans can unsettle this fine balance and cause issues with the local wildlife.
Grand Etang Lake and Waterfalls
At the heart of the park lies Grand Etang Lake, a serene crater lake ringed by cedar, mahogany and silver oak. Its calm surface reflects the canopy above and gives you postcard-worthy views year-round.
Nearby, several waterfalls call out to you:
- Annandale Falls: Just south of the park entrance, with a small plunge pool.
- Seven Sisters Falls: A series of seven cascades reachable via a 4.5 km hike.
- Tufton Hall Waterfall: The island’s tallest waterfall at 25 m, west of the lake, and best accessed with a guide.
Set aside time to visit at least one of these, as each waterfall highlights a different flavour of Grenada’s watercourses.
Wildlife Encounters in Grand Etang National Park
Wildlife viewing is one of the top things to do in Grenada, and Grand Etang National Park excels in this area.
Early morning is a prime time to spot:
- Mona monkeys, introduced centuries ago, and are now a charismatic park fixture.
- Grenadian whistling frogs, whose calls punctuate the dusk.
- Over 40 bird species, including the colourful Grenada dove and the elusive purple-throated carib.
If you want to meet the local monkeys, follow the Nature Trail along the lake’s north shore. Make sure you respect their space and avoid feeding them, and you might just get to watch them forage or leap between branches.
Popular Forest Trails at Grand Etang National Park
Trail options range from short strolls to challenging climbs:
|
Trail Name |
Distance |
Difficulty |
Highlights |
|
Lake Loop |
4 km |
Easy |
Crater lake panorama, picnic spots |
|
Seven Sisters Trek |
2 km |
Moderate |
Series of waterfalls, river crossings |
|
Mount Qua Qua Summit |
8 km |
Moderate |
Ridge views, native orchids |
Top Excursions for Nature-Lovers
Beyond selfguided hikes, book these things to do in Grenada for an immersive experience:
- Guided Orchid Walk: Expert-led tours focused on the park’s 50 + orchid species.
- Birdwatching Safari: Earlystart outing by 4×4 to catch migratory and endemic birds.
- Photography Workshops: Learn composition techniques under the forest trees.
- Rainforest Yoga Sessions: Sunrise classes beside Grand Etang Lake.
Tours leave from St. George’s or the Grand Etang Visitors Centre. Reserve tours in advance during peak travel periods to guarantee availability.
Best Time to Go and Weather Tips
While Grand Etang National Park stays lush throughout the year, timing your trip can improve your enjoyment:
- Dry Season (Jan–May): Cooler days, fewer mosquitoes, firmer trails.
- Rainy Season (Jun–Dec): Spectacular waterfall flow, colourful flora, occasional muddy sections.
Daytime highs in the park average 72–78°F (22–26°C), dropping into the mid60s°F (18–20°C) at night. Pack layers, insect repellent, and waterproof gear.
Recommended Day Trip Itinerary to Grand Etang National Park
For a halfday or fullday excursion on your Grenada holidays, follow this schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Depart St. George’s; coffee stop at Concord Waterfall café.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Grand Etang Visitors Centre; map briefing.
- 9:15 AM: Lake Loop hike, photograph the crater lake.
- 10:00 AM: Trail to Seven Sisters Falls; swim in natural pools.
- 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch in the designated area near the lake.
- 1:00 PM: Guided birdwatching safari or orchid walk.
- 2:30 PM: Scenic drive through the Mega Mountains ridge road.
- 3:30 PM: Visit a nearby Nutmeg plantation for a spice tour.
- 4:30 PM: Return to St. George’s, with a stop at Westerhall rum distillery (optional).
This plan gives you a few things to do in Grenada without being too rushed.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter Grand Etang National Park?
These activities should ensure you have a fun-filled day at Grand Etang National Park. But it’s worth noting that this fun doesn’t come for free. Although we’re not sure the USD 2.50 entry fee will act as much of a barrier during your visit.
While it may seem like a small price to pay, the entry fees do go some way to ensure the forest and wildlife stay as happy, healthy and cared for as possible.
Why not take home a little treat from one of the gift shops stocking locally produced chocolate?
Nutmeg Plantations Are A Spice-Lover’s Bonus
A Grenada holiday’s review isn’t complete without a tip of the cap to the island’s famed carrotshaped nutmeg. Many family-run estates open their groves for tours surrounding Grand Etang National Park:
- Learn harvesting techniques and seed processing.
- Try the local fresh spices, cocoa, and cinnamon.
- Buy authentic nutmeg products from growers.
Combine a plantation visit with your park day trip to deepen your connection with Grenada’s spice history.
Planning Your Trip to Grand Etang National Park
When organising your visit:
- Book car hire or join a small group tour out of St. George’s.
- Check park opening hours (6 AM–6 PM daily) and entrance fees.
- Pack snacks, water, sun protection and light rain wear.
- Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes for uneven forest trails.
- Respect park rules: no littering, no feeding wildlife, and no off trail hiking.
If you are interested in more things to do in Grenada, or even plan your entire Grenada holidays, we can help you!
Grenada Holidays Round-up
Whether you’re wrapping up your Grenada holidays with memories of rainforest hikes or eagerly sharing your wildlife encounters, Grand Etang National Park will always be an essential Highland escape. From Mega Mountains vistas to the tranquil mirror of Grand Etang Lake, from misty waterfalls to cheeky monkey sightings and spice–scented plantation tours, this park has nature, culture, and adventure weaved into one unforgettable day. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and set course for the island’s green heart, the Grand Etang National Park awaits.
