Hi there! Happy to have you here, on the Rooting For Growth with Fiona DaCosta blog! If you’re a new reader, then you are just in time for this new category: Adventure Growth! As for my returning readers, I hope I didn’t take you by surprise – you know me, if it’s growth enhancing, life enriching and positively progressive – count me in! So yes, with a new ‘dare to life’ – I’m intentionally seeking out adventures and experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t have. There comes a time in life, when you have to stop living out of habit and really dare to seek out and embrace life’s twists and turns…let’s go to Grampa Falls, in St Thomas.

Where is Grampa Falls?

So yea, I did say St. Thomas, but come on now – where exactly is it? Okay, to be exact, you’ll find Grampa Falls in a community called Trinity Ville. You basically pass through communities like Seaforth, pass by Danvers Pen and also a high school tucked away called Robert Lightbourne High School. For those persons who have heard of or even visited Reggae Falls, the road to Grampa Falls continues on the opposite side (left) of the intersection, the road to Reggae Falls being on the right.

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Is it Granpa Falls, Grandpa Falls or Grampa Falls?

Here’s the thing, all three, Granpa, Grandpa and Grampa are used affectionately as it pertains family relations. That then, signifies, that a part from the spelling, they really do convey the same thing. Certainly, ‘Grandpa’ is closest to the actual spelling of grandparent, referring to the male version of this relation. Next in line is ‘Granpa’. However, the locals in St. Thomas, void of the rigid pronunciations and poise of the English language, have referred to it as Grampa Falls. it is even written with paint, on stones near the falls. “Grampa Falls.”

Regardless, the other references to the Falls are also used widely by social media influencers, newspaper articles and even some of the locals themselves. perhaps, a showing of how they personally refer to their grandparents. Who knows, maybe there will be references like Pa-Pa Falls sometime to come! Jokes aside, whichever you choose to use, ensure whenever you go, you have a blast! Speaking of…

What to Expect at Grampa Falls?

Let’s start with the obvious thing first – the river/falls! Of a fact, the natural cascade of the falls, the ripple of the water down stream, the shades of blue, green and brown in the right places in the water – all culminate to make Grampa Falls a natural wonder, tucked away in this undisturbed part of St. Thomas. There are very shallow parts of the river for those who only want to wet their ankles as I did :), this is especially convenient if little toddlers are along on this adventure. Of course, there are deeper parts of the river for those swimmers ready to take a plunge. And if you’ve been thinking of having the water beat into those tired back and shoulder muscles, then a seat by the falls is just right for you!

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Grampa Falls: Best Time of Day to Go

What’s the best time to visit Grampa Falls? Unlike my visit, I hope yours is planned! My visit was a spontaneous leap in the fall of the evening. So plans to take a dip and even wash my hair were dampened by the cold of the evening by the time I arrived. If you don’t mind risking catching a cold, then you can go in the evening – by this, many persons would be leaving and you’ll have a bit more river to yourself!

However, in true river vibes, its best you go when the sun is high in the sky and the water has warmed up a bit, making the perfect situation to cool down by the falls. The birds are out at this time, and nature is more alive. To add to that, the sun makes for perfect lighting for all your desired photos.

Bring the Fun to Grampa Falls

As you can imagine, this natural wonder isn’t privatized for tourists and other paying patrons. That has its pro and cons. On some days there may be locals by the entrance, manning a make shift gate, asking for a non mandatory ‘contribution’. I suppose its only fair, considering they help with the general upkeep. otherwise, it is largely underdeveloped in terms of amenities and leisure activities.

As such, you have to bring the fun if you wish to get more than a swim and pictures from your visit. On my quick visit, I saw people celebrating what seemed to be a child’s birthday. They had cake, balloons etc. There were also people cooking! Clearly, they brought their ingredients, pots, music and were having a blast cooking up some curried chicken and white rice on a wood fire.

Are there Plans for Grampa Falls by the Government?

Turns out – there are squabbles between the registered land owner and and locals who have been overseeing the rising attraction. Notwithstanding this, there are no physical blockades and there have been no mandates to the public to stop visiting. There are talks by the government (Ministry of Tourism) to facilitate the development of the natural attractions in St Thomas, especially since the new highway was built. Will these talks materialize? And will they include Grampa Fall? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, if you are ever in St. Thomas and don’t mind the raw, unedited wonder of this natural beauty – then by all means, stop by and explore!