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The park, which includes the mountain range, extends over an area of 96 acres (39ha). He'll set you up with a map and tips on how to navigate the trails if you purchase something. The old-growth forest on Sage Mountain is noted to be "untouched since the time of Columbus.". The road leading to the parking lot at the top of Sage Mountain is relatively narrow and there are coco plum trees locally known as fat pork on both sides of the road closer to the top of the hill. [2] The tall, volcanic[5] mountain range acts like a natural barrier, blocking dry winds and strong sun shine. Other flora found within the park are guavaberry, large patches of moss, epiphytes or air plants, elephant ear vine (philodendron), fig tree, white "cedar" (not actually a cedar but a flowering tree, Tabebuia heterophylla), a West Indian species of tree fern, manilkara, and mountain guava (Psidium amplexicaule). Tours begin in Road Town, the diminutive capital of Tortola, BVI, which hugs the harbor where the mountains meet the sea. The mountain itself creates rain as warm moist air rises from the east and south, then cools as it crosses the mountain. A small area of about 29 and half acres retains much of the character of the original forests that were found at this elevation and in ghuts in Tortola. A small area of 11.9 ha (29.5 acres), which is generally of rocky terrain, retains the original forest species as they could not be cleared for agriculture. Read our Privacy Policy. Beware! There are some plants with huge leaves with a name that speaks for itself elephant ears. Although I am a resident of the BVI, it was my first trip to this popular park and I was eager to finally see it. Travelers from all over the world come here to appreciate what "Nature's Little Secrets" have to offer. Allow two hours for your rambles. The park is open daily dawn to dusk. The park, which includes the mountain range, extends over an area of 39 ha (96 acres) and is located to the southwest of the BVI capital, Road Town. Although it's not a true rain forest (since less than 100 inches of rain falls annually), it still shelters remnants of the primeval forest that once covered the island's ridges. The gate was closed (not locked) and beyond the gate there was a sign labeled "To North Trail." Fauna reported in the park include hermit crab (Calliactis), vifauna includes American kestrel (called kili kili hawk locally), red-tailed hawks, Caribbean martin, mountain dove, and pearly-eyed thrasher. The main entrance to the Park is a 5-minute walk from the car park. If you decide to charter a boat to explore some of the outlying British Virgin Islands, you might be wise to pick up a Pusser's Survival Kit as well. I could have turned back but out of curiosity, I approached the area and realized that this very shady pathway with huge trees leads to the park (no vehicles can pass at this point). Welcome Subscriptions - For a limited time get $5 off an annual subscription. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It was on my way back down that I actually began to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. It was the first national park in the British Virgin Islands to preserve and reserve the remaining forests and its adjoining watershed areas. Trail map for Sage Mountain National Park. There were also quite a few beautiful yellow balisiers, also known as haliconias the flowers are flawless. Sage Mountain is a special part of the BVI for both visitors and residents. I think as residents, we should all take the time to appreciate what our visitors pay to come and enjoy. I was intrigued with the type of moss that I saw on many of the tree trunks. The path was layered with a bed of red and orange leaves, it looked beautiful. Although rainfall is low in these islands, the old growth forest on the northwestern side of the Park is typical of Caribbean rain forests. To the left of this path, there is another that leads to a residence. It is named after the highest peak in all of the Virgin Islands, which rises to a height of 523 m (1,716 ft). [1][4] Some of the ferns, flowers, and vines which grow in the park are not found elsewhere on Tortola. Now experiencing this trip first hand, I would definitely recommend a trip to anyone interested. I have a few guests who had asked me about the trail on Sage Mountain or other hiking trails and without having been there, I had never really recommended it before. Groves of mammee apple (Mammea americana) and heliconia trees are also recorded along the entrance path of the park. [1][3] The best preserved forest area is viewable from the Henry Adams Loop Trail, which includes steps. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. [1][3][4] The reserve area was acquired from private farmers by the Government with a grant provided by Laurance Rockefeller,[3] and was given to the National Park Trust in 1964 for making it a forest reserve for conservation purposes. Rains occur from the moist trade winds generated in the Tortola's mountains and falls mostly on the northern side of the park, supporting a few forest species, while the southern part of the park reflect old pastures of dry forests. While jeeps can be rented, white-knuckle drivers may want to consider hiring a taxi or booking an excursion on a safari bus. At the beginning of the North Trail, there are a few benches and tables where you can sit, take a break, have a beverage and snack while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. At the car park you can just sit and enjoy the breeze, it is just magnificent, you can see both the Atlantic Ocean on one side and on the other you will see the Caribbean Sea. We would just pick them and eat them. Limin' Times - Check out the latest happening around the islands. Located to the southwest of the BVI capital, Road Town, the park is named after the highest peak in all of the Virgin Islands. They also used pitch from the fruit to caulk boats. After a few steps, I saw some visitors leaving the trail and I knew that I was on the right path. The tall, volcanic mountain range acts like a natural barrier, blocking dry winds and strong sun shine. At 1,716ft Sage Mountain is the highest point in the Virgin Islands, US and British. Some of the ferns, flowers, and vines which grow in the park are not found elsewhere on Tortola. I don't like to put my camera strap around my neck, and now have a camera bag which works like a backpack. Outside the gate there is another trail on the left with a wooden sign, stuck in the ground, labeled "To South Trail." An entire mahogany trail has been established at Sage Mountain and named after the founder and first Chairman of the National Parks Trust, Joseph Reynold ONeal. The topography is dictated by the ridge that runs in an eastwest direction in the middle of Tortola Island with elevation range from 7501,716 feet (229523m) between the western end of the island to Mount Sage. 2022 Lonely Planet. Tree plantations already existed, with the plantations of West Indies Mahogany and White Cedar. Groves of mammee apple (Mammea americana) and heliconia trees are also recorded along the entrance path of the park. We met a Tortola resident who showed us some small, tart fruits that he called cocoplums. Crowing roosters, yapping dogs and grazing goats have the right-of-way here, even along Main Street, with its red and yellow homes, restaurants, Quick Bargain Department Store, and After Dark Bar. Jim Cullimore, owner of Mountain View gift shop and restaurant (open 9am to 3pm) at the trailhead, is a fount of park knowledge. On many occasions my husband and I would come to this area and pick some of the fat pork. Large boulders and old growth forest on the north side are a stark contrast to the old pastures and remnant dry tropical forest on the south. The park is humid and damp, populated by bo-peep frogs and lizards. Rains occur from the moist trade winds generated in the Tortola's mountains and falls mostly on the northern side of the park, supporting a few forest species, while the southern part of the park reflect old pastures of dry forests. At the time of my visit, the gift shop, restaurant and bar by the parking lot was open for business, so I stopped and had an awesome banana smoothie and entertaining conversation with the owner, Jim. (Their flat brown seeds are often worn as ornaments or carried in pockets to bring good luck.). Opening the gate, I proceeded on the North Trail. Feeling more at ease, I proceeded on my walk, pleasantly entertained by the sounds of the birds chirping. There's a US$3 entrance fee, but nobody's been around to collect it for years. Through a generous donation from Laurance Rockefeller, the land at Sage Mountain was purchased from farmers and given to the BVI Government as a national park. This falls as rain on the northern side of the Park, which is reflected in the different types of vegetation that are found on the north and south sides of the ridge. The Mount Sage volcanic peak rises to a height of 1,716 feet (523m), and is thus the highest point in all of the Virgin Islands. [1] The park has twelve trails forming a circular route;[3] trails are well marked with signs. From my car, I proceeded on foot, following the sign that directed me to the Park. Unfortunately, the lookout on the summit is so overgrown with branches that you can see neither side of the island. It is named after the highest peak of the island of Tortola, Mount Sage. For directions, contact the National Parks Trust office in Road Town or the office at your villa/hotel, I am sure they will be happy to assist you. Back in Road Town, the Botanical Gardens are a verdant oasis of lily ponds, waterfalls, tropical bird houses and exotic plants. Cruising Killarney National Park Lakes Ireland. [6], The old-growth forest on Mount Sage is noted to be "untouched since the time of Columbus". Killi-killis (American kestrels) hover overhead. COPYRIGHT 2005-2022 Barb & Ron Kroll. There are twelve trails through the forest with loops creating a circular route. Sir Francis Drake Channel of outlying islands from Virgin Gorda to St. John can be seen by a short detour along the Joseph R. O'Neal Trail to the peak. Sage Mountain is the highest point in the British and US Virgin Islands at 1,710 feet, with panoramic views of all the islands. The trail is known for its enormous elephant ear (philodendron) vines, which trail over the ground until they find tree trunks to climb. At 1,716 feet, Sage Mountain is the loftiest peak in the Virgin Islands (US and British). Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. To the right the area looked a bit dark and it looked like a dead end, and I said to myself, "this can't be the end of the trail". From there, you can head onward on the central trail and return on the north trail for a good loop (be prepared for mud). She informed me that the office was closed (public holiday Good Friday) or so I thought, apparently the "office" is not in operation. Documenting the Natural and Cultural Landscape of the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Sage Mountain National Park (Tortola, BVI), Colombia: Natural and Geographic Landscape, Juru-Purus Moist Forests Ecoregion (Brazil), Atlantic Forest: Mata Atlntica (South America), Altiplano-Puna Plateau: Altiplano Basin (South America), Chihuahuan Desert: Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion (Mexico), Lacandn Forest: Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (Mexico). Years ago, people scratched messages on its leathery leaves, and even used them as playing cards. NATIONAL PARKS TRUSTOF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. As the first National Park in the BVI, Sage Mountain represents the beginning of conservation in the territory. Only one remains today, and it supplies Pusser's. Caressed by consistent, gentle trade winds, the waterway is ideal for both amateur and experienced sailors. [6], Location of Mount Sage National Park in Tortola Island, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Sage_National_Park&oldid=1054655456, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 11 November 2021, at 10:05. The park is located to the southwest of the island group's capital, Road Town. A trip along Ridge Road provides breathtaking views of both the Caribbean Sea, to the north, and the Sir Francis Drake Channel and its islands, to the south. [8], Fauna reported from the park are hermit crab (Calliactis). The lure? Through a generous donation from Laurance Rockefeller, an American philanthropist and conservationist, the land at Sage Mountain was purchased from farmers and given to the BVI Government as a national park. There are two trails in the 100-acre park, both accessible to anyone who's reasonably fit. [4] The average park elevation is about 1,000 feet (300m) above sea level. Small signs, along its 1.5-mile-route, identify trees such as the white cedar (a very hard wood, once used for boat-building) and the stinking fish tree (which doesn't smell). The pub sells rum in a variety of disguises, but most notably as Pusser's Painkillers (sold in #2, #3 and #4 strengths, based on the rum content). Aspirin, salt tablets, a fishing lure, a small world map, a box of waterproof matches, a plastic drinking cup, and a bottle of Pusser's rum. Although Tortola is the largest island in the archipelago, it measures only 10 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, so you can easily tour it in a day. The Virgin Islands is a beautiful place, let's enjoy it together! [1][2], There is a north coast overlook and a tower, which provides scenic views of Jost Van Dyke, Tobagoes, little Sandy Cay, the north coast and, St. Thomas. Azure anchorages, secluded coves, and the unspoiled beaches of more than 50 islands and cays fringing Sir Francis Drake Channel, the British Virgin Islands' main drag. The first is a loop through giant bullet wood trees, which grow 80 feet high. Its contents? A parade of islands marches across the horizon like jade pieces of a puzzle: Norman Island, with caves that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island; Peter Island, a resort, now owned by Amway; Dead Chest, reputedly the barren island where Blackbeard marooned 15 mutiny-minded men with one bottle of rum; Salt Island, where salt is panned from evaporation ponds, just as it was 200 years ago; and Fallen Jerusalem, with bizarre rock formations that make it look like a destroyed city. While St. Thomas attracts shoppers with duty-free stores, Tortola seduces sailing enthusiasts with bareboat and crewed charters. I really enjoyed my trip, not to mention, it was a good workout. The farmland was reforested with white cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla), West Indian and Honduran mahogany trees (Swietenia mahogoni and Swietania macrophylla), which have thrived along with other naturally regenerated secondary vegetation. You may hear the gentle cooing of the turtle dove, the territory's official bird (the "tortola") or see a pearl-eyed thrasher lunching on some berries. Birds are more obvious. Admission is free. Or say to heck with hiking, and simply make your way to the viewing platforms off the parking lot for vistas of the USVI and BVI. Many of the trees are very old on the North Trail, and the roots of some of them grow across the pathway. After about five minutes, I arrived at the National Park office, a small green building with a fence around it. When mixed with cream of coconut, orange and pineapple juices, the 18-ounce libations go down so smoothly, you don't feel their power until it's too late. I spoke to a young lady who directed me to the National Park office, and gave me a piece of paper (that she got from the restaurant and bar opposite the parking lot) that had directions to the different trails in the park. 2022 LAC Geographic. Other flora found within the park are guavaberry, large patches of moss, epiphytes or air plants, elephant ear vine (philodendron), fig tree, white "cedar" (not actually a cedar but a flowering tree, Tabebuia heterophylla), a West Indian species of tree fern, manilkara, and mountain guava (Psidium amplexicaule). I love photography, it is my passion, so of course, I had my camera with me and I was able to take some great pictures! When the British Navy gave up its tradition of having each ship's purser ("pusser" to the West Indians) dole out a daily ration of rum, an entrepreneur decided to open distilleries across the British Virgin Islands to make true navy rum. I work at a villa resort and my colleagues and I encourage each other to experience the different services and activities that are offered to our guests, that way we can better "sell" the product. When I first started on the trail I was mainly focusing on where I was going and carefully making my steps forward. Behind the pub, a shop sells ship models, nautical antiques, travel clothing and luggage. Approach to the national park is from the north west of Road Town along the Joe Hill Road which is the main highway, to Leonards Road and then turning left to the Ridge Road, which leads to the car park at the park entrance. Most of the Park is above 1,000 feet, and at this elevation precipitation and cloud cover increase sufficiently to support some species typical of a tropical rainforest. All content copyright 1995-2014 by Island Publishing Services, Ltd. Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. [3] A small area of 29.5 acres (11.9ha), which is generally of rocky terrain, retains the original forest species as they could not be cleared for agriculture. A mossy stone path, along the second trail, leads to a mahogany plantation. There's little wildlife, except for small lizards. British Virgin Islands Tourist Board: www.bvitourism.com, British Virgin Islands Best Family Beach is the Baths in Virgin Gorda. [7] Typical of rainforests, flora includes the "stinking fish" or bullet wood (Mimusops elengi),[6] Caribbean and Honduras mahogany trees (Swietenia mahogoni, and S. macrophylla). No cooking required. Although just one mile separates Tortola and St. Thomas, they feel as if they're light years away from each other. I can easily bring this bag to the front of my body and quickly and safely remove my camera. Mount Sage National Park is a protected area of the British Virgin Islands. As I walked along the route leading to the park entrance, I noticed that there were tire impressions on the dirt, which suggests that vehicles pass on this route regularly. The farmland was reforested with white cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla), West Indian (Swietenia mahogoni) and Honduran (Swietania macrophylla) mahogany trees which have thrived along with other naturally regenerated secondary vegetation. Avifauna includes American kestrel), called kili kili hawk locally, red-tailed hawks,[1] Caribbean martin, mountain dove, and pearly-eyed thrasher. Close to this plant I saw some snails under a banana leaf. Among them, you'll find vanilla orchids, broom palms (used to make brooms, hats and fishpots), breadfruit trees, red ginger, medicinal aloe vera, and lucky nut trees. The trip allowed me the opportunity to write this article and take great pictures for my websites and blogs. Seven trails crisscross the 92-acre surrounding park, and several rare and endangered plant species grow within it. Home | Contact us. In spite of the chickens on the verandah, its memorabilia-filled interior is pure England. There is also a Central Trail that looks like it leads to higher ground, but I decided to stay on the North Trail. I started to follow it but it soon began to narrow, so I turned around and headed towards the beginning of the path. The Mahogany Forest Trail, which goes up to the top of Mount Sage, was established by Joseph Reynold O'Neal, the founder and first Chairman of the National Parks Trust. I did not venture very far because at this time I saw no one around and was hesitant to go too far on my own. There were some areas where there were small pools of water, apparently it rained a few days ago and as the area is shaded with a lot of trees, the moisture on the soil takes a little longer to evaporate. The 20ft fern trees and other flora look as though they're straight out of the age of the dinosaurs. There are many trails for trekking and hiking.[1][2].

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