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Attractions & Activities: Virgin Gorda
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Hiking Consider a trek up the stairs and hiking paths that crisscross Virgin Gorda's largest stretch of undeveloped land, the Virgin Gorda Peak National Park. To reach the best departure point for your uphill trek, drive north of The Valley on the only road leading to North Sound for about 15 minutes of very hilly drives (using a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a very good idea). Stop at the base of the stairway leading steeply uphill. There's a sign pointing to the Gorda Peak National Park.
It will take between 25 and 40 minutes to reach the summit of Gorda Peak, the highest point on the island, where views out over many scattered islets of the Virgin Islands archipelago await you. There's a tower at the summit, which you can climb for enhanced views. Admire the flora and the fauna (birds, lizards, nonvenomous snakes) en route. Because the vegetation you'll encounter is not particularly lush, wear protection against the sun. Consider bringing a picnic--tables are scattered along the hiking trails.
Parks The Baths and Devil's Bay National Park--You'll find  The Baths on every Virgin Gorda to-do list, especially if snorkeling is involved. Equipment can be rented on the beach. The Baths are a phenomenon of tranquil pools and caves formed by gigantic, house-size boulders. As these boulders toppled over one another, they formed saltwater grottoes, suitable for exploring. The pools around The Baths are excellent for swimming. The site is located on the southwestern end of the island.
Devil's Bay National Park can be reached by a trail from The Baths' traffic circle. The walk to the secluded coral-sand beach takes about 15 minutes through boulders and dry coastal vegetation. The Baths and the surrounding areas are part of a system of protected parks. The protected area encompasses 682 acres of land, including sites at Little Fort, Spring Bay, The Baths, and Devil's Bay.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba is located at the Bitter End Resort at North Sound (tel. 800/932-4286 in the U.S., or 284/495-9638). Today Kilbrides offers the best diving in the British Virgin Islands at 15 to 20 dive sites, including the wreck of the ill-fated HMS Rhone. Prices range from $80 to $90 for a two-tank dive on one of the coral reefs. A one-tank dive in the afternoon costs $60. Equipment, except wet suits, is supplied at no charge, and videos of your dives are available.
Exploring the Island
The northern side of Virgin Gorda is mountainous, with Gorda Peak, the highest spot on the island, reaching 1,370 feet. However, the southern half is flat, with large boulders appearing at every turn.
The best way to see the island if you're over for a day trip is to call Andy Flax at the Fischers Cove Beach Hotel. He runs the Virgin Gorda Tours Association (tel. 284/495-5252), which will give you a tour of the island for $20 per person. The tour leaves twice daily, or more often based on demand. You can be picked up at the ferry dock if you give them 24-hour notice.
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