British Virgin Islands, Tortola Island, Sage Mountain National Park, epiphytes and tropical vegetation

Getty Images/DeAgostini

Sage Mountain National Park

Top choice in Tortola


At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main path that leaves from the parking lot and moseys up through the greenery to a picnic spot. From there, you can head onward on the central trail and return on the north trail for a good loop (be prepared for mud). There's a US$3 entrance fee, but nobody's been around to collect it for years.

The park is humid and damp, populated by bo-peep frogs and lizards. The 20ft fern trees and other flora look as though they're straight out of the age of the dinosaurs. Allow two hours for your rambles. 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.

Jim Cullimore, owner of Mountain View gift shop and restaurant (open 9am to 3pm) at the trailhead, is a fount of park knowledge. He'll set you up with a map and tips on how to navigate the trails if you purchase something.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tortola attractions

1. Callwood Rum Distillery

0.79 MILES

Just off the North Coast Rd at the west end of Cane Garden Bay, this is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Eastern Caribbean. The…

2. Cane Garden Bay

1 MILES

Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…

3. North Shore Shell Museum

1.01 MILES

It’s more a folk-art gallery and junk shop than a museum, but it’s funky however you describe it, with a hodgepodge of shells and signs painted with…

4. Apple Bay

1.59 MILES

Apple Bay is long and narrow, and is known as the ‘surfing beach,’ especially from late December to March, when the consistent swells roll in. It’s not a…

5. Brewers Bay

1.97 MILES

Shady, tree-lined Brewers has decent snorkeling and a more tranquil scene than you'll find at nearby Cane Garden Bay – possibly because getting here…

6. Long Bay

2.23 MILES

Long Bay is an attractive 1-mile stretch of white sand well used by joggers and walkers. A top-end resort sits on the eastern portion, where you can get…

7. Methodist Church

2.33 MILES

Flanking the north side of the prison, this working Methodist house of worship dates from 1924. It’s a fine example of classic West Indian timber-framed…

8. HMS Prison

2.38 MILES

Located at the heart of Main St, these stark, white rubble walls date to the 18th century and mark the oldest building in Road Town. The prison sits empty…