IT may very well be one of Portland’s best kept secrets, but for those who have discovered the beauty of Reach Falls, it is an adventure they believe no one should miss out on.

Cool, crystal clear, natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day with nature, whether you’re a tourist, high school student or just an individual wishing to get away from the daily grind.

The experience at this Urban Development Corporation (UDC)-operated facility begins with a view of the magnificent waterfall cascading into an emerald pool, while a nature trail takes visitors upstream the Driver’s River and into the lush evergreen of the montane forest on the John Crow Mountain range. The trail stops at the water cave, where visitors can either enjoy the mini waterfall or explore the cave’s hidden exit. The adventurous can dive out of the cave into a glistening river pool below.

Reach Falls, located approximately 45 minutes east of the parish capital, sits on a 4.6-hectare property which is home to more than 23 species of ferns and a variety of birds, including the black and yellow billed parrot. Most sought after is the natural heart-shaped jacuzzi which invigorates the body with every stroke of the water rushing through the channel.

According to information from the UDC, Reach Falls was discovered by runaway slaves from the neighbouring parish of St Thomas who sought refuge in the John Crow Mountains.

Customer service representative at the facility Floyd Simpson said as part of the continuous development of the property, UDC is now working to establish souvenir and craft huts as well as a food and beverage facility. There are also plans to improve the facility’s gardens.

Simpson explained that visitors have the option of getting a guided tour or they can have picnics on the grounds which can accommodate up to 300 persons.

The tour, which is included in the entry fee, can last for an hour but this depends on individual preference.

“Some people will come and do a full tour while there are others who just want to come and take pictures alone,” Simpson told the Jamaica Observer North East during a recent tour of the facility.

And while some visitors are only interested in the 25-foot waterfall, Simpson said there are others who will spend an entire day enjoying the expanse of the property.

“Some people will do a tour for two hours and then go off to see the rest of Portland, but there are others who need an entire day to enjoy the facility,” he explained.

He said an average 400 guests visit the property every day, with some of the busiest times being the summer, Easter and Christmas, which is when a lot of locals, including schoolchildren, make use of the facility. The majority of patrons, however, are tourists and returning residents. The tourists, he said, are mainly from Europe, particularly Germany and Italy; and the United States.

“A lot of the people who come here are repeat customers who also bring other persons so, we end up getting many customers through word-of-mouth,” Simpson said.

“A lot of tourists will say they enjoy coming here where it is more natural and there is less man-made waterfalls,” he added.

According to tourists Myriam Fallon and Per Hoel, who said they were introduced to Reach Falls while they were guests at the nearby Great Huts, the experience is one of the best they have ever had.

“It was a fun mixture of hiking and going under the waterfalls,” said Fallon, who indicated that she has been to similar attractions in Switzerland and New Zealand.

“I got a guided tour and I just love how natural everything is,” said Hoel, adding that he was already looking forward to another visit.

Reach Falls is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays. The attraction has been featured in Hollywood films such as Tom Cruise’s Cocktails and the remake of Lord of the Flies.