Concord Falls | Gouyave

Concord Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in the parish of St. John, Grenada, approximately 10 kilometers north of Gouyave.

Visual Characteristics

The primary waterfall, known as the Upper Concord Falls, cascades approximately 30 feet into a clear, deep pool. The surrounding vegetation is dense tropical rainforest, characterized by large ferns, broadleaf trees, and flowering plants. The water is a translucent green. The rock formations are primarily dark, volcanic basalt.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to Concord Falls is via Concord Road, which branches off the main Grenada North Coast Road (A2). The turn-off is approximately 10 kilometers north of Gouyave. The road to the falls is paved for the initial section, transitioning to a rougher, unpaved track for the final 2 kilometers. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the unpaved section. Parking is available at the base of the Upper Concord Falls, with capacity for approximately 15 vehicles. Public transport options are limited; local buses (e.g., Route 15) run along the main road, requiring a walk of approximately 2 kilometers from the nearest bus stop.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The waterfalls are a result of natural erosion of volcanic rock over millennia. The area is part of Grenada's interior rainforest ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The lower two falls, known as Concord Falls and Concord Pool, are more easily accessible and were historically used by local communities for water and recreation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming is permitted in the pool at the base of the Upper Concord Falls. Hiking trails lead to the Middle and Upper Falls, though these are often overgrown and require local guidance. The Middle Falls are smaller and less accessible. The Upper Falls are the most prominent and are suitable for photography. Local guides can be hired at the parking area for treks to the higher falls.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic restroom facilities are available at the Upper Concord Falls parking area. There are no permanent food vendors on-site, but local vendors may be present on weekends. Shade is provided by the dense tree canopy. Cell phone signal (4G) is intermittent at the falls site.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when sunlight penetrates the canopy. The dry season, from January to May, offers the most stable weather conditions. During the wet season (June to December), rainfall can increase water flow but also make trails slippery and less accessible.

Facts & Legends

Local folklore suggests that the pools at the base of the falls have healing properties. A specific historical oddity is the presence of petroglyphs found on rocks near the Middle Falls, indicating pre-Columbian human activity in the area.

Nearby Landmarks

• Gouyave Fish Friday (2.5km South)
• Dougaldston Spice Estate (4.0km Southwest)
• Levera National Park (12.0km Northeast)
• Annandale Falls (15.0km Southeast)