Boggy Peak, Mountain summit in southwestern Antigua and Barbuda.
Boggy Peak is the highest point in Antigua and Barbuda, located in the southwestern part of the island as part of the Shekerley Mountains, between Christian Valley and Falmouth Harbour. The summit is forested and the ridge it sits on is visible from much of the southern coastline.
Boggy Peak was historically the site of sugarcane plantations worked by enslaved Africans. Its name comes from stories told by slave masters about the bogeyman (locally spelled boggy man) who lived on the mountain, meant to discourage slaves from escaping. The mountain was thus used to frighten slaves, not to shelter them.
The peak was known as Mount Obama from 2009 to 2016, named in honor of the then US president, before the original name was restored. Visitors who ask locals about it will often hear both names used interchangeably, depending on the generation.
Two main trails lead to the summit, one starting from Old Road Village and a shorter one from Christian Valley, with the latter taking less time to complete. Sturdy footwear and enough water are essential for both, as the paths can be steep and uneven in places.
A telecommunications tower sits at the very top and supports much of the island's communication network, which means the area right at the summit is sometimes fenced off. The views from the upper trail sections just below the top are still open and on a clear day reach as far as neighboring islands.
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