Sage Mountain National Park

In west-central Tortola, Sage Mountain National Park is filled with an abundance of trees and plants, including guavaberry, which you can find along the central trail; elephant ear vine in the rain-forest area up the northern trail; and scattered fig, bulletwood, white cedar, and mahogany trees throughout the park. There are a number of trails with loops that create a circular route; brochures and maps are available at the park entrance.

• Wear sturdy sneakers or boots; trails may be muddy.
• Travelers say the central hike is easy with some incline, while the northern trail is steeper.
• Visitors typically treat themselves with the banana smoothies that are sold on-site.
• As most of the mountain area is 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level, the temperature tends to be chilly and damp; dress accordingly.

In western Tortola, Sage Mountain National Park is easily accessible from any point on the island by car, shuttle, or taxi. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Cane Garden Bay Beach and a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal, heading southwest from Road Town. The entrance to the park is a short distance from the parking lot.

As with many of the attractions on Tortola, you can expect to find the biggest crowds at the park when cruise ships are docked, as well as on the weekends and during the winter, which is peak season for the British Virgin Islands. Since the area tends to be cooler than the rest of the island, an afternoon visit is a good way to beat the heat.

Another must-visit for nature lovers, JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens on Tortola offers a small but pretty option away from the beaches. It features a cacti garden, tropical bird life, and a mini tropical rain forest, along with areas to sit and relax, or set up a picnic. The gardens are about a 20-minute drive from Sage Mountain National Park.