Northern Range, Mountain range in northern Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.
The Northern Range is a mountain chain that runs across the entire northern edge of Trinidad, from the Chaguaramas peninsula in the west to the town of Toco in the east. Dense forest covers most of the slopes, and deep valleys cut between the ridges, with streams running through many of them.
The Northern Range formed as a continuation of the coastal ranges of Venezuela, which is why Trinidad was once physically attached to the South American mainland. Over time, rising sea levels separated the island from the continent, but the mountains kept the same rock structure as their counterparts across the water.
Many people living in the valleys grow their own food on small hillside plots, a habit that shapes the rhythm of daily life here. Markets in nearby towns often sell produce that comes directly from these slopes.
The East-West Corridor runs along the southern foot of the range and serves as the main road for reaching most entry points to the trails. If you want a quieter forest experience, heading into the Arima Valley gives you a less-visited option without needing to go far from the main road.
Aripo Cave, inside the range, is home to a colony of oilbirds that navigate in complete darkness using echolocation, a behavior more commonly associated with bats. These birds are rare in the Caribbean, which makes this cave one of only a few places in the region where you can see them.
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