Just below are just some of the more well know National Parks on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
The Baths & Devils Bay National Parks and Beaches
(located in The Valley)
The Baths and Devils bay are two national parks side by side with a trail leading from one to the other. After arriving at the car park or dropoff/pickup area you will have to make a 15 minute walk through dry scrub vegatation and granite boulders to either the baths or devils bay. It does not matter which one you choose to go to first because hikers can cross over to the other park by crawling, climbing ladders and wade throught waters. Caution must be used at all times to avoid slipping and falling.
Both parks have tranquil locations for swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing under shaded umbrellas.
Enormous Boulders with nested sea pools, caves and a white sandy beach area. Vessels can use mooring buoys outside both parks, and swim line markers guide vessels through safe channels when approaching the beaches.
Many people who visit the baths always wonder in amazement how did such large boulders end in such peculiar positions. The surroundings are a result of molten rock seeping up into the existing volcanic rock layers; because the molton rock did not reach the surface it cooled slowly and formed the hard crystalline granite layer. Further shrinkage and cracking formed blocks, which were exposed when the softer volcanic rock above eroded away.
click thumbnail to enlarge (photo of the Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)
detail about The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Gorda Peak National Park
(located in the Valley)
The highest point on Virgin Gorda at an astonishing 1370ft, Gorda Peak is located on the northwestern ridge, south of North Sound. This area was donated by Lawrance Rockefeller in 1974. The park is considered to be one of the last remaining examples of dry forest in the region. Vegetation in the park varies, from dry scrub to a moister mossy forest at higher elevations. Most exciting about the area Gorda Peak is home to the worlds smallest gecko.
Follow trails that lead the lookout tower at the Peak, Hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the BVI, particularly the popular anchorage of North Sound and anegada visible in the horizon. A perfect place for a romantic or family picnic is half way along the trail to the tower. Table and benches are provided and maintained by the National Parks Trust. Enjoy the cool air watch the few rays of sunlight that beam through the forest area.
Gorda Peak has no history of dangerous wild animals, deadly reptiles or other dangerous species.
(click thumbnail to enlarge (photos of Gorda Peak, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)
details about Gorda Peak National Park, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Sand Box (prickly Pear island)
(prickley pear island near North Sound)
Sand Box on Prickley Pear island is really lovely. Althought you might need a boat to get to this island about 2 minutes boat ride from GunGreek, North Sound. This island contains a white sandy beach with clear water and a beach bar. Volleyball and BBQ are also some of the common activities on this island. Definitely worth the trip.
click thumbnail to enlarge (photos of Sand Box Prickley Pear Island, British Virgin Islandsnds)
details about Sand Box, Prickley Pear Island, British Virgin Islands
Copper Mine Point National Park
(8 minutes drive from Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda)
This Prominent landmark located at Mine Hill sits on a cliff on the south-eastern part of Virgin Gorda. An abandoned copper mine was once the center of attention on the island of Virgin Gorda. The Spaniards who of course were from spain, mined copper here in the early 18th century. However Cornish miners built the ruins that remain today in the 1800s, following a decline in mineral deposit in Cornwall, England. The mine closed down in 1862 due to escalating expenses and low market prices.
The ruin consist of the operations centre containing a powerhouse, mine shaft, cistern, engine house and chimney are still visible scattered across the slopes. The area is rich with sign of copper glittering in stones and a cliff side view of usually ruff ocean waters.
click thumbnail to enlarge (photos of The Coppermine, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)
details about Coppermine point, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
(located in The Valley)
Popular with visitor and residents, right to the east of the baths is Spring Bay. The trail to this natiional park is less rigid than the baths and with a short trail of only 2 minutes from parking. The area is equipped with picnic tables, chairs and barbecue grills which are nested among the boulders. The perfect place to get together with friends and families.
Don't forget hold the only trail to beautiful and sandy VALLEY TRUNK BAY.
click thumbnail to enlarge (photos of Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)
details about Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
