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Paria Bay and Waterfall

Tue, 2011-03-15 20:54 | by admin

      Paria Bay and waterfall is considered to be the number one hiking destination in Trinidad.The scenic coastal walk from the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge will take two hours to reach the bay. Along the way an added attraction is to visit  Turtle Rock,a 50 foot peninsula that has the shape of a turtle head.This is an ideal spot to rest ,take pictures of turtles swimming in the turbulent water and enjoy the refreshing Caribbean Sea breeze.

The beach half mile long is lined with coconut trees ,the silky smooth sand is a favorite nesting ground for leather-back turtles.At the western end of the bay the sea has eroded the rocks to form a spectacular arch called Cathedral Rock.On the eastern end ,where the river's mouth is located, the river has lost it's energy and transformed into a lagoon .The vegetation along it's bank consist mainly of red mangrove ,the backlash of sea water has deposited sand into the river creating a relaxing fresh water pond.
A ten minute walk inside the forest,heading upstream in the direction of the river you will discover the waterfall in all it's splendor. The plunge pool at the base of the falls is wide and ideal for bathing and swimming.The adventurous will relish in the challenge to swim against the current to access beneath the falls where the turbulent water has eroded the rocks to create an overhang.
With no one to oversee the bay ,weekend campers continue to destroy the natural vegetation of the beach by cutting down valuable coastal trees to build camp sites .This action has lead to permanent damage and endangerment to wildlife.The Spring Bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic and there are plans to erect a new bridge to allow access for heavy duty machinery to extend the North Road. Nature lovers are concern that in the event of progress ,the natural resources of the north coast may be greatly depreciated.
 
On Sunday 11th March'12 Island Hikers visit Paria Beach and Waterfall.
 
Assembly 7.00am Entrance to Central Bank Auditorium or 7.30 Sams Bar Maracas Bay .
 
Registration on morning of the hike $40.00
 
Rating 4-5 moderately challenging
 
Hiking time one-way :2 hours (return by 4pm) 
 
Recommended : a hat for sun shade and a litre of water
 
Security for parked vehicles at Spring Bridge.$20.00 per car
 
Maxi Taxi Transportation provided from P.O.S.additional $40.00
 
For more details contact Mario 749-2956 or Islandhikers.com
 
 
 
 

Paria Bay version #2

Paria Bay and waterfall is considered to be the most  popular hiking destinations  on Trinidad's North Coast .Soca Artist Benjai sang " Ah Trini " and once you" from Trinidad and Tobago"you should visit Paria at least once in you life  time.The bay is accessible either by boat or hiking   .The are three hiking routes to get to there. The longest is a fourteen mile hike from Matelot Village ,an eight mile forest walk from  Brasso Seco Village and a five mile costal hike from The Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge  .
The hike starts from the historical Spring Bridge in Blanchisseuse where security will be on duty to watch the vehicles..The trek takes two hours and starts on an open gravel road with picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea . It is advisable to bring along a hat for sun shade and a litre of water . At end of the dirt road the trail descends along the coast into the forest trail.At this point you  have accomplished 2 miles. The forest trail although shaded is still humid and your fitness will be test as you climb the famous Kilimanjaro's Hill.  One can momentarily leave the trail and venture onto “Turtle Rock” called by that name because the rock is actually shaped like a turtle. On Turtle Rock ,one can stop for a short rest ,have a snack ,take pictures , enjoy the astounding views  and relax in the refreshing sea breeze .
  As we approach the western end of Paria Bay  views of  the ever popular “Cathedral Rock” or Pointe L'eglise can be seen. This rock is about 50 feet high with a hollow smack in it's center .To add to its creativity there is another rock protruding  from  the middle of the curve . What a fantastic site for pictures.
The beach is 3/4 mile long and one may be fortunate  to see  turtle hatchlings digging themselves out the sand as vultures wait eagerly in the trees to devour them . At  the eastern end of the beach the river flows into the sea making it an ideal spot for bathing.
The Paria Waterfall is  an easy ten  minutes walk from the beach.The  trail  is pronounced and one has to follow the river bank to get there. The Waterfall is the largest natural pool in Trinidad and Tobago with a depth of over 20 feet . The heliconia, fringed lilies, and philodendron that surrounds the pool  create a peaceful atmosphere that will enchantment you.On Sunday 20th March Island Hikers visit Paria Bay and waterfall.for details visit islandhikers.com or mario749-2956
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiZgEWhAECM
 
On Sunday 20th march  ............Paria Bay and Waterfall
 
Assembly : 7.00 am  Entrance to Central Bank Auditorium or 7.30AM Sams Bar Maracas Bay
 
Rated : 4 moderately challenging
 
Hiking time oneway: 2 hours
 
Bring Along : hat for sunshade ,1 litre of water and change of clothing
Cost $30.00
 
Security per car $20.00