Mount Qua Qua in Grand Etang National Park

The hike through Grand Etang Forest up to Mount Qua Qua has got to be one the most rewarding and magnificent hikes I've ever experienced.  As tough as it may have seemed, I still felt like I should've worked more to have been more deserving of witnessing such a beauty.  Surrounded by three hundred and sixty degrees of vegetation and sounds of pristine nature, Mount Qua Qua blew my mind and soul away in every way possible.  

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."-John Muir

On a dry day, I would classify this hike as 4/10 in difficulty.  On a wet day, 7, just because walking up muddy hills-steep ones at that-can be messy and difficult.  For the inexperienced hiker, you may want to first consider an easier hike, unless you're accustomed to walking up many steep hills.  Think of this hike as a natural stair-master machine hahaha.  If your legs aren't used to the work, they will end up trembling throughout the hike.  

Rainfall in this area can be sporadic and unpredictable so there's a possibility that you may be getting muddy to a certain extent. The more mud, the more slippery, the longer it will take you to travel both ways. Trails aren't well kept as you go further in, so there's a bit of overgrowth. On top of that, there are a lot of unforgiving insects and plants with razor sharp edges. Wearing a thin long sleeve along with this breathable pants will save your life. Make sure to bring a lot of water and wear sunscreen as you will be exposed to the sun for the majority of the time.  Also, don't forget to pack a lunch for you to eat at the end of the hike.  My friend Myra had a blast eating her PB & J sandwich on top of the rock at the end of the trail. 

All the scrapes and bug bites were well worth it. Oh, and the stingy shower I took right after too . 

*Getting There: 
This hike is easily accessible by public transportation (5EC, ~20min.) 
From school, take the grand anse bus. stop at texaco. walk up the corner towards IGA and you will find a bus stop. take #1 to saint george's. ride till the last stop at the bus terminal 2.50ec. walk towards other buses to #6-5ec. this will take you to your stop right in front of "Grandetang house."  Visit the information booth for hike directions.

Don't forget to bring extra money for refreshments at the Grand Etang House and  restroom to wash up.  Also, if you plan on bringing a camera, make sure to bring a protective bag for it.  You'll be needing both hands free during many segments of the hike.

*For more hike details visit this Website.
*Reviews on Trip Advisor 

marker for end of trail