Information
Landmark: Belair National ParkCity: Carriacou
Country: Grenada
Continent: North America
Belair National Park, Carriacou, Grenada, North America
Overview
Belair National Park, tucked into Carriacou’s central highlands, offers a rare mix of rich history, wild green slopes, and sweeping views that stretch all the way to the sea.Once a colonial plantation, it’s now a protected park where visitors can wander past crumbling stone walls, hike shaded trails, and spot deer moving through the trees.You’ll find it in the heart of Carriacou, Grenada, where narrow streets meet the warm scent of sea air.Perfect for hiking dusty trails, exploring local history, spotting bright songbirds, and soaking in sweeping mountain views.Known for its crumbling plantation ruins, rolling green hills, and winding trails shaded by tall palms.The place feels calm and steeped in history, with quiet paths winding through wildflowers and tall, swaying trees.Here’s your first stop for what to see and do in Belair National Park.Wander through the old plantation ruins, once the heart of one of Carriacou’s largest estates, where weathered stone walls still echo the island’s colonial past.Visitors can wander through crumbling sugar mills, weathered estate houses, and cool stone walls, catching a vivid glimpse of the island’s past in agriculture and slavery.Number two.Belair National Park offers scenic hikes that wind through shady forests, sunlit meadows, and stretches of rugged, rocky ground.The hikes aren’t too tough, so most visitors can handle them-think steady climbs with the occasional rocky patch underfoot.As you go, you’ll pass lush palms, bursts of red and yellow blossoms, and now and then catch sight of a darting lizard or bright bird.Number three.From its high perch, the park opens up a sweeping view-Carriacou shimmering in the sun, Petite Martinique resting in the distance, and the scattered isles of the Grenadines dotting the horizon.From the best spots, you can look out and see the turquoise Caribbean on one side and the deep blue Atlantic on the other, both stretching to the horizon.Number four stands alone, small and plain like a single chalk mark on a board.Birdwatching and wildlife spotting are a treat here, with hummingbirds darting like tiny jewels, doves cooing softly, and tropical songbirds filling the air with bright, sweet calls.You might spot tiny lizards darting across sun-warmed rocks, catch sight of iguanas basking in the open, and notice native plants flourishing in this protected ecosystem.Five.Drop by during the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival, when the park comes alive with drumbeats, lively fiddle tunes, and shared feasts that honor African heritage and bring the community together.Held each April, this festival bursts with Caribbean music, food sizzling on grills, and stories that bring the region’s history to life.So, why head to Belair National Park, where gum trees sway and kookaburras call?Steeped in history, it opens a window onto Carriacou’s plantation past, from weathered stone walls to the stories they still seem to hold.Perfect for nature lovers, with trails wrapped in lush greenery and sweeping views of the island’s turquoise coast.Quiet and untouched, it offers a calm escape from Carriacou’s busy beaches, where only the soft rush of waves breaks the silence.Perfect for hiking and snapping photos, the winding trails and sweeping mountain views invite you to get out and explore.Getting there by car is easy-it’s just a quick drive from Hillsborough, the island’s lively main town where fishing boats bob along the pier.On foot, you can reach the park with a scenic hike if you’re already wandering through central Carriacou, passing bright bougainvillea along the way.On a tour, local guides can lead you through the park, sharing its history and pointing out the sharp scent of cedar along the trails.Planning a trip to Belair National Park?Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes-you’ll feel every dip and crunch of the uneven trails without them.Bring some water with you-there’s nowhere inside the park to fill a bottle, not even a rusty tap.Go in the morning, when the air feels crisp and the soft, golden light makes every photo glow.Respect the environment-this park’s protected, so don’t leave trash behind, and keep to the marked trails where pine needles crunch underfoot.If you love history, wild landscapes, and breathtaking views, you can’t skip Belair National Park-the scent of eucalyptus alone will draw you in.You might wander among crumbling colonial walls, trek along sunlit trails scented with wildflowers, or watch bright frigatebirds wheel overhead-this tucked‑away spot in Carriacou gives you a genuine, tranquil glimpse of Grenada’s history and unspoiled landscapes.
