Background

Sage Mountain National Park: Tortola's Verdant Crown

Discover panoramic views and lush trails at Tortola's Sage Mountain National Park, a Caribbean nature escape.

4.6

Ascend to the highest point in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands at Sage Mountain National Park, a 96-acre sanctuary offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's lush, reforested past. Explore diverse trails winding through a unique ecosystem teeming with Caribbean flora and fauna.

A brief summary to Sage Mountain National Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the park.
  • Pack insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
  • Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views from the various lookout points along the trails.
  • Consider purchasing a trail map from the Mountain View gift shop and restaurant near the trailhead for navigation tips.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Road Town, follow Joe Hill Road northwest. Turn left onto Leonards Road, then left again onto Ridge Road. Continue following signs for Sage Mountain National Park. The drive is approximately 30 minutes. Parking is available at the trailhead.

  • Public Transport

    From Road Town, take a local bus heading towards the North Shore. Inform the driver you wish to go to Sage Mountain National Park. The bus will drop you off at a nearby point, from where you may have to walk approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the park entrance. Bus fare is typically around $2 USD.

Unlock the Best of Sage Mountain National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sage Mountain National Park

Sage Mountain National Park, cradling Tortola's highest peak at 1,716 feet, stands as a testament to conservation efforts in the British Virgin Islands. Established in 1964, it was the first national park in the BVI, thanks to a generous donation from Laurance Rockefeller who purchased the land from farmers. The park's creation marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to preserve the island's remaining forests and vital watershed areas. Once farmland, the area was reforested with white cedar, West Indian, and Honduran mahogany trees, which now thrive alongside naturally regenerated vegetation. Today, the park features a network of trails that meander through diverse ecosystems, from dry forests to humid rainforests. The northern side of the park, blessed with more rainfall, showcases a Caribbean moist forest, a stark contrast to the old pastures and dry tropical forests in the south. Visitors can explore fourteen trails, with loops creating circular routes, offering panoramic views of the island, neighboring cays, and the Caribbean Sea. The main entrance is a short walk from the car park. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna, including bullet wood trees, mahogany, guavaberry, cedar, tree ferns, philodendrons, hermit crabs, the American kestrel, red-tailed hawks, mountain doves, and the pearly-eyed trasher. Sage Mountain's unique microclimate fosters plant life not found elsewhere on the island. The Joseph Reynold O'Neal Trail, named after the first Chairman of the National Parks Trust, leads to the Mahogany Forest. While exploring, be mindful not to stray from the marked paths to avoid disorientation.

Popular Experiences near Sage Mountain National Park

Popular Hotels near Sage Mountain National Park

Select Currency