Drive a rental 4WD to North Sound by catalysta
Looking at this road on a map you have no idea what's in store for you. I spent much of this drive in the lowest gear, and you definitely don't want to do this drive if the roads are wet! The locals tear past us tourons along the way, but who cares? The speed limit on the entire island is only 20MPH, and they aren't going to get me to speed on that road.The views are stupendous, and well worth the drive. As North Sound Road veers left past Crabbe Hill, it goes over the first hump and then down to the lovely Savannah Bay (see Things To Do tip), with a view spot to take in the ocean waves on the opposite side of the road.
Then you'll head on up the next hill past Soldier Bay, a rather unprotected bay on the Atlantic Ocean side. The road suddenly gets steeper and begins to zigzag on up to the peak, with every curve offering views you won't dare to look at unless you stop at an overlook. Somewhere along the left side of the road you might spot a trailhead sign for the hike to Gorda Peak (see Things To Do tip). The next trailhead after that actually goes up and over to the old sugar mill plantation at Nail Bay. If you choose to do either of these hikes, I'd suggest you go early in the day before the sun's full heat builds up, and be sure to take plenty of water with you.
After your little 4WD crests the mountain, you'll wind on down an even steeper stretch of road til you get to a fork. Don't miss the next overlook, the view of North Sound Bay is fabulous! At the fork the road on the right goes in to the village of North Sound at Gun Creek. North Sound is cute, but almost everything was closed the two times I drove through.
So you may want to just take the fork to the left on down to Leverick Bay Resort & Marina(see Things To Do tip & Hotel tip), where you can have a refreshing stop and a delicious meal. You may even want to do an overnight at Leverick Bay.
