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Sage Mountain National Park: Tortola's Verdant Crown

Discover Tortola's natural beauty at Sage Mountain National Park: Hike through lush trails, spot unique wildlife, and enjoy panoramic island views.

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Ascend to the highest point in the British and US Virgin Islands at Sage Mountain National Park. Explore lush rainforest trails, enjoy panoramic views, and discover the unique flora and fauna of this protected natural haven on Tortola.

A brief summary to Sage Mountain National Park

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trails can be rocky and muddy, especially after rain.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
  • Pack water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the park.
  • Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and better chances to spot native birds.
  • Purchase a trail map from the Mountain View gift shop near the trailhead for detailed navigation.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Road Town, Tortola, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Sage Mountain National Park takes approximately 25-40 minutes. Confirm the fare with the driver before departing. Expect to pay around $30-$40 USD for a one-way trip. The taxi will drop you off at the park's car park, a short walk from the main entrance.

  • 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 fare is approximately $2 USD. 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.

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Discover more about Sage Mountain National Park

Sage Mountain National Park, established in 1964, holds the distinction of being the first national park in the British Virgin Islands. The park's creation was made possible through a generous donation from Laurance Rockefeller, who purchased the land from farmers to preserve the area's natural beauty. The park encompasses 96 acres, protecting the highest peak in the Virgin Islands, rising to 1,716 feet (523 meters). The park features diverse ecosystems, from dry forests to humid rainforest areas. The mountain itself creates rain as warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses, resulting in more rainfall on the northern side of the park. This affects the vegetation, with old-growth forests on the northwest contrasting with the drier, former pasturelands on the south. Visitors can explore fourteen trails, including the Mahogany Forest Trail named after Joseph Reynold O'Neal, the first Chairman of the National Parks Trust. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and loop through the park, providing hikers the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. From the main entrance, a 10-minute walk from the car park, trails lead through reforested areas with white cedar, West Indian mahogany, and Honduran mahogany trees. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including unique bird species and lizards. Scenic overlooks provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean Sea.

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