Rio Seco Waterfall

exploring the Rio Seco 

The most spectacular waterfall on the Northeastern coast of Trinidad is the Rio-Seco. It is located in Salybia between the villages of Matura to the south and Balandra to the north. The falls are accessible only by hiking. The road to the start of the trail is situated opposite the Salybia Bridge. The walk to the falls will take 45 minutes along a wide-open pathway that is easy to follow. The trail which is positioned at the top of the riverbank is sometimes muddy and growing across the footpath are the roots of trees.
What makes the fall so appealing is its deep, spacious basin reflecting a vibrant emerald green colour. The pool is embraced by a backdrop of towering mora which adds beauty to the already picturesque landscape. Its cool, pristine waters make it a favourite for outdoor recreation. Adventure seekers will relish escalating the rocks and jumping 15 feet into its energizing pool. Mullet fish which swim profusely in the pool, play an important role in keeping the pond clean by eating the leftover scraps from visitors. 
The river source comes from one of the most remote regions in the Northern Range. A destination only frequented by hunters and bird-catchers known as Mt Kitchener(1767 feet) and Mars. Rio Seco is a Spanish word when translated means Dry River, yet it seems ironic how this never-ending supply of water can be classified as a dry river. However, further upstream where its bed consists of porous limestone the water submerges and some parts are dry. Sinkholes which are usually found in limestone areas, cause joints to come to the surface and provide a conduit into which the river can disappear. A remarkable occurrence situated further upstream, at the mouth of a small tributary is a sulphur spring. Yellow sulfuric deposits can be seen oozing from its rocks and the area has a sulfuric scent. 
          The Rio Seco flows into the larger Salibea River approximately 2 kilometres before it reaches the sea at Saline Bay, to create a confluence. This area is another lovely spot for bathing but access can be complex.
             The vegetation consists of towering mora which dominate the forest landscape. Their canopy provides a welcoming shade for visitors. Along the way, there are two shallow streams to cross. Leading to the falls, countless tree roots spread abundantly along the footpath. They provide stepping stones when the trail is muddy and difficult to transverse. At the gateway to the falls, the boisterous call of the bellbird can be heard echoing throughout the forest.
        Over the years, the Forestry Division along with the Ministry of Tourism recognizing its potential as a natural attraction have fixed the muddy road and erected signs to make it more accessible to visitors. However because of the narrow road and its popularity, parking is sometimes congested and it may be easier to park lower down the hill and start the walk from there. 
  The region is part of the Matura National Park an Environmentally Sensitive Area declared by the E.M.A in 2004. The declaration is a positive step in protecting the environment and prohibits hunting and forest destruction. It is the responsibility of citizens to protect and preserve their environment by taking out their trash. Visitors should exercise caution and bring along safety equipment. Stepping a few metres into the pool, the water is deep enough to cover one’s head.