Grenada’s_Fresh_Water_Treasures
By Brian Ramsey
The beaches of Grenada are truly beautiful. From
black sand to yellow gold to white sand beaches, Grenada has variety. From beaches
stretching for miles to small picturesque bays to intimate coves, there is a range of
beach types.
Some would argue that Grand Anse is the most beautiful beach in the
Caribbean. Certainly there can be no argument that Gran Anse is a spectacular beach, a
large 2.5 mile U shaped bay with blue green calm water that rolls gently with white foam
onto yellow gold sand. Backed by green hills that are dotted with colourful houses and a
view across the water of Grenada's capital, St Georges, plus sailing ships lazily crossing
the bay, Grand Anse is wonderful.
If you can tear yourself away from these wonderful beaches, the Caribbean island of
Grenada has other water treasures of the fresh water variety. Grenada’s mountainous
nature and pristine environment gives rise to several waterfalls. Wherever you stay in
Grenada, there is a waterfall close by. For those staying in the St Georges/Gran Anse area
the closest waterfall is at Annadale, which is approximately 15 minutes drive from St
Georges. The road to the Falls is well signposted, but there are times when the angle of
the arrows may a little difficult to interpret. However as in any Caribbean country,
getting to an attraction is part of the fun. If therefore along the way you take a wrong
turn and see a little more of the country than you intended, that is part of the enjoyment
of having an outdoor adventure. One aspect of the wonderful nature of the Grenadian people
is that everyone is willing to give directions.
The Annadale Waterfall tumbles crystal clear over dark rocks to land in a large pool of
very cool water. The small complex surrounding the falls has several brooks running down
the hill to the base of the waterfall. There are nutmeg shell lined paths for visitors to
climb the hill and enjoy the view. The trees on the compound are labeled with the local
name, the scientific (botanical) name and the family name.
An interesting aspect of the journey to Annadale is that along the way you pass a
waterfall that the locals call the "small falls". The "small falls"
however appears bigger than the Annadale Falls but there is no bathing pool.
Concorde Falls are another waterfall that is reasonably close to St Georges being
approximately 45 minutes driving time. The road to that part of the island is good and
goes through areas with luxuriant green foliage clothing the hills. The Falls are easy to
find as there is a large sign on the main road pointing to the waterfall. From the Main
Road to the waterfall is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 5 minutes to drive.
This waterfall is in the mountains and as you stand on the road above looking down at
the falls, there are mountain peaks towering above you. Around the falls tropical growth
springs from the soil in abundance, with towering stands of bamboo, nutmeg trees climb the
hills and in between mangoes, pomerac, grapefruit, avocado and banana dot the hillsides.
For the truly adventurous there is a larger waterfall that is approximately 45 minutes
hiking beyond the first waterfall. Known as Au Coin, this waterfall is bigger and taller
with a pool for swimming. A third waterfall in the Concorde valley is Fontainbleu which
cascades down a 65 foot cliff into a crystal clear pool and is approximately 2 hours
hiking up the mountain.
Another of the other fresh water treasures of Grenada are the Mount Carmel Falls which
are also known as the Marquis Falls. This waterfall, which is an easy 30 minute hike, is
located two miles south of Grenville and falls 70 feet into pools below. The Seven Sisters
waterfall requires a 45 minute hike that is worth every minute of the hike, going through
rainforest and a private plantation with cocoa, nutmeg and banana trees. Here multiple
waterfalls tumble down the river giving rise to the name Seven Sisters. The trip to the
Paraclete Waterfalls in St. Andrew is a 60 minute test of your love of hiking but the
falls are beautiful. There is no pool under the waterfall for swimming but you can walk
directly under the waterfall itself, and feel the water pound on you. You can also visit
the Honeymoon Falls which requires a one hour hike to the base of Mount Qua Qua in the
Grand Etang National Park.
Grenada's Victoria Falls in the parish of Saint Mark is a seculed waterfall that
requires a long hike to reach. It is at the foot of Mount Saint Catherine and falls in two
drops. Tufton Hall Waterfall is another waterfall that is in the parish of Saint Marks.
This is Grenada's highest waterfall and it is recommended that a tour guide be hired for
visiting these falls. The hike to the falls is approximately three hours and through
challenging terrain. This hike can give real meaning to the term outdoor adventure as
along the way you will see cascades, pools, sulphur springs and the waterfall.
Balthazar Falls are another of the water treasures in Grenada, while a visit to
Rosemont Falls requires having lunch at the Rosemont Plantation, both of which are
delightful.
Whenever you are in Grenada, tear yourself away from the wonderful beaches and have an
island adventure discovering Grenada’s fresh water treasures.
To learn about other activities in Grenada, see our other Grenada Pages
