Hike to historic Hollis Dam

The hikers enjoyed great coastal views, evergreen forest and the refreshing waters of Paria.

The route to Paria Beach from Blanchisseusse is a distance of approximately five and a half miles and begins from the Spring Bridge. The route was mainly a coastal hike that began on a gravel road and then continued along a forest trail. The hike included a series of uphill and downhill portions, interspersed with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.

Paria Bay features a wide white sand beach that is the nesting site for leatherback turtles. A short trail from the beach of about 15 minutes duration leads to Paria waterfall where there is a deep clear pool below the falls surrounded by heliconia, fringed lilies, and philodendron.

However, the journey doesn’t end there. This Sunday Caribbean Hiking heads off to Aripo to Hollis Dam.

This trek begins in the lush Aripo valley and ends at the very scenic Hollis Dam. This man-made lake is fed from the waters of the Quare River and rainfall from the surrounding mountains.

Located about three miles off the Valencia Road, the Hollis Dam, the oldest one in the country, was built between 1934 and 1936, under the reign of Sir Claude Hollis, who governed Trinidad and Tobago during those years.

The Hollis Reservoir can supply, when filled to capacity, at least 8.2 million gallons of water to the residents of Arima and neighbouring areas on a daily basis. This supply may be cut in half during drier spells.

The Hollis catchment also supports a variety of animal life such as lappe, tattoo, howler monkeys, deer, wild hogs, caiman, tilapia and snakes. While persons are allowed to picnic, courtesy the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), neither hunting, fishing or swimming is permitted in or near the dam.

Foreign visitors and many locals have already heard about the spectacular wildlife and would therefore hike to watch the 90 species of birds that call Hollis their home. Hikers will enjoy a panoramic view and a rare opportunity to experience a piece of history.

Sunday’s hike is rated moderate to moderately challenging and the duration is 2 1/2 hrs. one way

For registration contact Richard at 788-8478, Adrian at 704-0828, or Nicola at 797-7958.