«Pikrovrisi tis Merikas» Natural Trail: An unprecedented trail among gorges and volcanic rocks

Description

The trail «Pikrovrisi tis Merikas» is located at Kalo Chorio Oreinis. It is an unprecedented trail indeed, since the hiker walks on a wooden sidewalk along the river of “Maroullenas” inside the gorge and then it ascends the mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the gorge, the river, the venetian bridge and the volcanic rocks. These volcanic rocks are a point of interest for many scientists and researchers since they are a rare appearance of the Lower Pillow Lavas.

The trail has an easy to moderate difficulty of 4.7 km long. It is a linear one but the route can be “enhanced” to become circular by returning back through the village of Kalo Chorio. Of course you can choose to make the trail linear and finish the trail in the picnic area of Merikas near the village Kalo Chorio Oreinis. If you choose to return back from the same route or do it circular through the village, the total distance comes up to 9.4 km (regardless of the chosen route) and can be completed in 2-3 hours. The maximum altitude of the trail is 550 meters.

Viewpoints

The trail has several viewpoints which offer unique picturesque landscapes. First of all, the wooden sidewalk inside the gorge is amazing. Secondly you come across to a rare view of the volcanic rocks and specifically the appearance of the lower pillow lavas. And thirdly the rest of the trail has several points where the hiker may enjoy a panoramic view of the endless green of the fields and the surrounding forest. Half way the trail there is a kiosk with benches where the hiker can take a break and enjoy the view.

Starting points

The starting point of the trail is right next to the Venetian bridge that you will see while driving to your destination. In order to go to the starting point take the road E903 starting from Nicosia and then take the turn to Kalo Chorio Oreinis following the sign posts on the road. Alternatively you may find the point on Google Maps or simply use the GPS coordinates that I am providing you below in the Natural trail information table.

Personal comments

I haven’t heard this trail before and that amazes me since it is totally worth walking it. The landscape is incredible. The walk inside the gorge on a wooden sidewalk next to the river is totally unique. Also the rare volcanic rocks are incredibly impressive since it is something you don’t come to see everyday.

To be frank the most exciting “leg” of the trail is the first 600 meters since it has a lot of new things to offer to the hiker. The rest of the trail goes through forest road and then a trail again where you can enjoy panoramic views of the forest of the area. This trail I consider it as a «hidden» one since it is not that popular but totally impressive. If you are interested in such «hidden» trails then go to my article «10 hidden natural trails that awaits you to explore them».

An important note here is that at the beginning of the trail starts descending and then crossing the river. On heavy rainfall, the level of the river may rise and this will make it difficult or impossible to cross it.

Natural trail information

GPS map

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 law time restrictions, I didn’t have the time to complete the trail. The GPS map shows the route until 3.4 km, thus 1.3 km is missing. However, following the route you will see a sign post with the turn you should take and the remaining 1.3 km left. I have manually added the remaining route until the Merika picnic area. Also I have added the alternative route for returning back to the starting point and thus making the trail circular. The alternate route is presented with orange color.

Gallery

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