Hiking Velitsa Canyon

Hiking Velitsa Canyon Parnassos 

The hike in the gorge of Velitsa towards the waterfall of Trypi is probably one of the most beautiful hiking routes that one can do in Greece. So we too, on Sunday September 10, 2023, will start our hike from the picturesque Tithorea with the destination of reaching the double waterfalls of Trypi.The waterfalls of Trypi, one of which springs from a large hole in the rocks, and right next to it another one pours from a height of 82m, is the destination point of the hike, but during it we will see very beautiful landscapes. The path is beautiful but demanding, we will have to climb water supply pipes as well as installed ladders that have been left for years at the specific points. Difficult yes impossible no.

On our return to Dipotama we will bathe and enjoy our snacks next to the crystal clear waters of the gorge.

Velitsa Canyon photos 

Activities point

The National Park of Parnassus was founded in 1938. The idea behind the park was to preserve the natural habitat, for which it was necessary to govern the disposition of its natural resources. However, the park did not include all the terrain considered to be in the range. The highest peaks were omitted.

Within a few years the park aspect of the land became dormant as Greece turned its attention toward ending the German occupation, and then after World War II, settling the Greek Civil War. Parnassus was in a unique position to serve as a center for resistance, as it had for the Greek war of independence. Battles were fought in the valleys surrounding the range.

When the wars were over and the region went back to being an active park the new science of ecology brought changes to the park administration. Species were inventoried, endemic and endangered ones were identified, and the concept of a protected area was established. Parnassus National Park became a protected area for birds under the "Birds Directive." Subsequently, it acquired other protections under other laws as required by the EU. After 2000 it became Oros Parnassos, "Mount Parnassus," Natura 2000 protected area ID GR2410002. The two are not exactly identical. The national park is about 150 km2 (37,000 acres). The Natura 2000 area is about 344 km2 (85,000 acres), bringing the terrain not covered by the park under protection..

Among the endemic flora species under protection are the Cephalonian fir tree and the Parnassian peony (Paeonia parnassica). In the Park are to be found birds of prey, wolves, boars, badgers, and weasels.