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Rean Goulbourne (left), marketing officer; Venora Fletcher (second left), marketing manager, and Leroy Tyson (right), project manager, Urban Development Corporation, discuss upgrading plans for Reach Falls, Portland, with tour guide Natalie Brown.

Reach Falls - the ultimate experience

Picture a gentle Sunday morning breeze as it wafts over a lazy river mean- dering through exotic flora in a teasing cascade over a scenic waterfall; sometimes washed by the refreshing Portland rain, sometimes dappled by the bright tropical sunshine. Such is the breathtaking ambience of Reach Falls in Portland.

Nature lovers can expect a 30-minute tour of the Driver's River which feeds the falls, and exposure to rare plants and popular fruit trees. Reach, like other falls, is fed from a watershed area and is distinctive, not just for its cascading and pristine water, but also for the guided tour up the river.

tremendous natural beauty

Reach Falls is located on the Driver's River, some 33 km east of Portland's capital, Port Antonio. The 4.6 hectare property boasts tremendous natural beauty, a peaceful atmosphere, an engaging waterfall, significant biodiversity and is an ecological sanctuary.

After being skillfully guided for half an hour, nature lovers can change in the first-rate facilities and relax under the huge guango tree while enjoying their picnic.

It is said that the falls was originally known as 'Reich Falls' and it is alleged that it got this name from previous German owners, whose surname was Reich. However, there is no written proof that there was a previous owner by that name and the period during which he lived could not be ascertained.

origin of name

Residents in the community will tell you that the name Reach originated with the Maroons who, in their flight from the British, escaped to the foothills of the Blue Mountains and in their joy exclaimed, "we reach, we reach" when they got to what is now known as the village of Reach.

The ultimate goal at Reach Falls is to create an ultra-inclusive visitor experience and to ensure this, the facility is presently undergoing upgrading works to the value of $25 million.

Through Portland General Contractors, a two storey administrative building, ticket and security office, craft hut, food and beverage hut, first-aid station, souvenir shop, sanitary conveniences and a waste treatment and disposal system are being provided at the attraction.

Upon completion, this initiative will go a far way in making Reach Falls a chosen destination for tourists and locals. Since its reopening to the public in February 2007, the attraction has enhanced the community of Reach and surrounding environs. It has given job opportunities to players in the construction industry and has also provided permanent employment for staff.