Triniodad and Tobago Hiking The Valleys Of The Northern Range

The historic Cedula de Population of 1783 invited French farmers to open ugroupp estates and develop the country. The cool climate of the Northern Range produced some of the finest cocoa. Trinidad’s cocoa industry was in high demand and 31,000 pounds of cocoa exported in 1901. Built were donkey trails used to transport the agriculture produce from the remote regions of the Northern Range. Today, many of these bench trails have survived nature’s rugged elements and still used by farmers and hunters.
The hike described as “The Valleys Of The Northern Range" is a one-way journey that begins at the Guanapo Quarry and ends at the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge. The twenty mile distance will take the enthusiastic hiker between 5 1/2 – 8 hours. The highest elevation is 2200 feet, and there are four mountain ridges to cross.

Valley 1 : Guanapo Valley to Lalaja (1 ½ hours)
The trek begins at the Guanapo Quarry and leads in a northerly route along side the river. At the base of the river, there is an old sign that says Sambasson Trace. The direction to the top of Lalaja Road is a steep ascend through a citrus estate. The height is 1900 feet (580m), and panoramic views of the Guanapo Valley are visible in the distance.

Valley 2: Lalaja to Brasso Seco (1 ½ hours).
At Lalaja Settlement turn left into the Lalaja Paria Trace which leads to a junction at the crest of the ridge. The altitude at the cross-road is (2200feet) and situated on the right there is a prominent trail to the highest peak El Cerro Del Aripo (3085ft). Proceed on the main course which descends into Brasso Seco Village.

Valley 3: Brasso Seco to Paria Bay (3hours).
At the Brasso Seco Visitor Facility proceed north-east on the Paria Morne Bleu Road for eight miles to Paria Bay and waterfall.

Valley 4: Paria Bay To Blanchisseuse (2hours).
At Paria Bay there is the option to divert of the main track and visit the falls for a quick refresher. The final leg is on the ever-popular coastal path to the Spring Bridge.

On Saturday 11th May’13 Fitness Walkers challenge hike “The Valleys Of The Northern Range”