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What is so Special about the Blue Mountains in Jamaica?

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Camping in the Blue MountainsWhat is so special about the Blue Mountains in Jamaica | Camping in the Blue Mountains (Source: Visitjamaica.com)

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

If you want to experience Jamaica at its core, without any artificial touches, in its most authentic format, then the Blue Mountains is your destination.

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What is so special about the Blue Mountains in Jamaica?

Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point in Jamaica and one of the tallest in the Caribbean, rising 7,402 feet above sea level. The summit and the neighbouring Blue Mountains have a greenish-blue tint due to the mists and lush vegetation. The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Jamaica. The mountains are dotted with quaint villages, sparkling waterfalls, and lush forests that are perfect for hiking and exploring.

The Blue Mountains are home to some of the rarest and most diverse flora and fauna in the world. The cool, misty climate of the mountains supports a range of endemic species, including over 200 species of birds and numerous species of orchids and other plants. The Blue Mountains are also home to the Jamaican boa, the largest snake in Jamaica, and the Jamaican giant swallowtail butterfly, one of the largest butterflies in the Western Hemisphere.

In addition to their ecological significance, the Blue Mountains also have a rich cultural history. The mountains are home to the Maroons, a group of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations in the 17th and 18th centuries and formed their own communities in the mountains. The Maroons developed a unique culture and way of life that is still celebrated today through music, dance, and other cultural traditions.

The Blue Mountains are also famous for their coffee, which is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. They are part of a region that the government of Jamaica has legally designated as off-limits.

Where are the Blue Mountains in Jamaica?

The eastern parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, and St. Andrew are bordered to the south by the Blue Mountains, which dominate the eastern part of Jamaica. The 1992-established Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, which is looked after by the Jamaican government, contains a portion of the Blue Mountains.

What do people do at Blue Mountain in Jamaica?

Camping and hiking up the Blue Mountains is on the bucket list of many visitors and locals. With what could be the most astoundingly beautiful and majestic view of the rising sun, it’s no secret why many are longing to take the dreaded but worthy 4-hour hike.

Camping in the Blue Mountains

Perhaps you would love to experience camping in the mountain, going on nature walks and basking in its flora and fauna. You have two main options for camping in the Blue Mountains. If camping and light nature walk are what you prefer, all while still having modern amenities and being in proximity to restaurants, then Holywell Park would be your best option.

Holywell Park offers cosy cabins with hot water and Wifi. For those who prefer to bring their own tents and other camping gear, there is also a campsite available that gives you shower and bathroom access.

There are several trails from the Holywell side of the Blue Mountains.

  1. Blue Mahoe Trail- Starting at the visitor centre, this stroll concludes at the picnic area. Views of Kingston and the southern shore are available. Children and older people can safely use the trail because it is rather flat.
  2. Oatley Mountain Trail- Three lookout locations on the path provide views of St. Andrew and Portland. With over 50 species of trees and shrubs, the Oatley Mountain Trail descends through a primary forest abundant in ferns and mosses.
  3. Waterfall Trail- On this trek, hikers pass through a valley of ferns where they may see more than 50 distinct varieties in various developmental phases. Highlights include a 4.5-meter cascading stream with a pool just big enough to soak your feet in the refreshing water near the trail's finish (and across Oatley Road).
  4. Shelter Trail- It's a nice area to see bromeliads and vines from this one-way path. The Portland parish can be seen while on the nature trail.
  5. Wagwater Trail- This trek descends a crooked, steep route that leads to a tributary of the Wag Water River.

At Holywell Park, you will also have access to a picnic area with gazebos and BBQ grills available for use. There is also a jungle gym to keep the kids entertained.

Hiking in the Blue Mountain

If you are up to a more rigorous camping and hiking experience, consider the Portland Gap side of the mountain. It is, in fact, the only known, clear trail that leads all the way up to the summit. To get here, travel to Mavis Bank, then arrange a land rover to transport you to Whitfield Hall or Jacobs Ladder. If you choose to stay at the Portland Gap cabins, you will have a short hike from Jacobs Ladder to get there, but this will ultimately cut the time it takes for you to hike to the summit by about 2 hours. The Portland Gap offers bunk cabin accommodations with outdoor showers and latrine facilities. There is no electricity available.

The more traditional option for hiking to the summit of the Blue Mountains is to stay at Whitfield Hall. They also once offered bunk cabin accommodations, but now a two-bedroom cabin is the only accommodation available. Not to worry, outdoor camping spaces are available for those willing to bring their tents and other camping gear. Starting your hike from Whitfield Hall gives you the full hiking experience, taking you through Hagley Gap, Penyle Castle, Abbey Green, Portland Gap and finally to the summit. Typically hikers start their journey around 1 am to get to the summit by 6 am. The 4 hours hike is said to be quite difficult and unsuitable for children or elders.

Other Things you can do in the Blue Mountains

  1. Visit a Blue Mountain Coffee farm and experience what the full production process is like.
  2. Go restaurant hopping on the culinary trail from Kingston to Portland. The restaurants are diverse, specializing in anything from spaghetti, burgers, seafood, and steaks to traditional Jamaican foods.
  3. Visit the Maroon communities and Rasta villages to learn about our history and culture.
  4. Go on a cycling tour. The journey is downward, takes around three hours, and travels nine to twelve kilometres through the verdant countryside.

How much does it cost to go to the Blue Mountain?

The cost for access to the Blue Mountain Park and Trails is USD 20 for visitors and JMD 300 for locals. Of course, you must pay separately for any accommodation, transportation pick up and food.

So, what is so special about Blue Mountain in Jamaica you ask? Well, words cannot do it justice, you’ll have to experience it for yourself. Expect to be blown away because it is nothing short of majestic.

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References & Sources For What is so Special about the Blue Mountains in Jamaica

  1. M. (2022, November 8). 9 Fun Things To Do in the Jamaica Blue Mountains. Matador Network. https://matadornetwork.com/read/blue-mountains-in-jamaica/
  2. Jamaican Blue Mountain Story – Country Traders. (n.d.). Jamaican Blue Mountain Story – Country Traders. https://countrytraders.com/jamaican-blue-mountain-story/

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