|
Nov 06
2008
|
Au Coin WaterfallPosted by Neil and Moni in Untagged   |
|
Over the weekend, we decided to take a hike to Concord second falls - Au
Coin Falls.
We had visited the falls twice since hurricane Ivan, more than 4 years ago,
and were curious to see what changes there had been, and whether the trees
and vegetation had regrown.
The difference was astounding! It is a hike that I would recommend in a
heartbeat!
We parked by the main falls, Concord, and started up the trail above, which
will eventually take you to the other two falls - (yes, there are three
falls at Concord.
You don't need a guide for the second falls (Au Coin), but you will
definitely need one for the third falls, as the trail is not well marked.
As a matter of fact, the main trail to the second falls is slightly
overgrown, but not enough to get lost on, if you watch your step.
Unfortunately, the bridges which crossed the river in several places, were
totally destroyed and never rebuilt, so you will have to get your feet wet
crossing the river to stay on the trail.
We had brought one of our dogs along with us and I'm sure she was beginning
to wonder why we were giving her so many baths and no towel and treat at the
end!
We pretty much took our time going up the trail, and it only took about an
hour and forty five minutes. If we were in a rush, we could do the trail in
about 30 minutes or less.
The water was cold and refreshing and helped to wash away the mud from the
trail. The rocks tend to be a little slippery, so I would suggest taking your
time and not trying to rush across them. Besides, its a little embarrassing
to fall on your butt in the river simply because you tried to rush across.
The falls, when it finally comes into view around a bend in the river, is
well worth the trip, with the water cascading into a pool at its base.
Swimming is not allowed above the main falls, as this water makes its way
into the local distribution system. In fact, you will pass a small dam above
the main falls, which supplies the main water collection and treatment
centre for that part of the island.
Make sure to walk with a camera, as the hike to the second falls is
definitely worth it. Guides can be hired at the main falls, for those who
would like to have one, and there are toilet facilities and a bar at the
beginning of the trail at the main falls.
Would we recommend this hike? Absolutely! You get the chance to see a
beautiful part of our island and get your feet wet in the bargain.
1st Concord Water fall - the entrance
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 735
Comments (2)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Jon
said:
|
The Concord Valley has been a favorite spot for me since I started going to Grenada. An ideal day in my opinion is a bus ride from St. George's to Concord in the morning. I carry a lunch of local fruit and cheese with a 2 liter bottle of water. From the shore road the walk up to the falls is through a very beautiful area first both sides of the road lined with houses then they begin to thin out to a house now and then before you reach the water treatment plant and soon you are at the first falls. I don't know the exact distance but it is probably about 2 miles up into the valley when you reach the first falls. You will be glad to take a break when you reach this point. There are some small shops here and friendly people to talk to. You can get cold drinks, snacks and if you choose to stop here be sure to pay the small charge to take a swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls. After a break I always go on up the trail at least to the second falls and enjoy every minute of wading through the river at the crossings. You are likely to meet a farmer or two and see some livestock tethered along the trail. Keep crossing the river until you get to the footbridge that survived Ivan (the river no longer goes under it) And just after the bridge watch for a path on the left. You will hear the second falls before you see them and they are quite beautiful. I sit down, relax, enjoy part of my lunch and then usually go back to the main trail and farther up into the valley to see how recovery is going from the hurricane. Then I head back to the first falls for a swim a a cold Carib or two. I have also come into the valley from above after hiking all day from the Grand Etang and there is nothing more welcoming than reaching the first falls and diving into that beautiful pool to wash off some of the mud and sweat. Then a final stretch of the legs and the relatively easy walk down hill all the way back to the shore road. Sometimes this takes longer than the walk up because folks who live along the way like to talk and when they see me returning they want to know how far I walked. They talk about their land and farms further up the valley and I tell them what a beautiful spot they have to live. To me this is the way to truly enjoy Grenada, at a walking pace, with plenty of time to stop and talk. So Neil even though I can't be in Grenada right now you have taken me back to one of my favorite areas. Thank you. |
|
|
report abuse
vote down
vote up
|
drbob
said:
| Thanks for the video, photos, and report. Looking forward to visiting with you more about this the falls in three weeks. | |
|
report abuse
vote down
vote up
|
Write comment
Show/Hide comment form