Hiking in Jamaica

Jamaica boasts of natural landscape and to your surprise, it covers more than half the island. From dramatic gushing waterfalls, roaring wild rivers to caves, cavers and over 200 miles of sandy beaches – the geography of Jamaica provides some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean. So, in case you are wondering which are those top hiking trails in Jamaica, you need not look any further. Our team of Jamaica Travel Managers have combined a list of best places to go hiking in Jamaica. They are as follows: 

Follow One Love Trail for the most stunning views of the Ocho Rios. When you hike up this astounding trail, you have a roadside walkway with the most amazing sea views. The trail starts from the centre of Ocho Rios with the surrounding attractions. You start hiking at the Island Village shopping and entertainment complex adjacent to the cruise ship pier and get to Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove. This is one of the top hiking trails in Jamaica. 

This is a three hours long hike to the most stunning natural landscape of Jamaica’s highest peak. This hiking trail is best suited for nature and coffee lovers as it takes you through the Clifton Mount Estate that is home to Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain Coffee. You will come across cool temperatures and some of the most enthralling natural beauty while hiking up the Blue Mountains Peak Trail.

If you are looking for something more secluded and less walked upon hiking trails in Jamaica, we recommend you head to Mayfield Falls that are hidden deep in the Dolphin Head Mountains near Westmoreland. This is Jamaica’s best keep secret and one of the most refreshing hikes. Known for its breathtaking views of the west coast the hike takes about somewhere from 45 minutes to several hours depending on where you want to start from. You will find two waterfalls, natural pools, and plenty of tropical plants, birds and butterflies which definitely makes it worth the hike. 

For all the nature lovers and enthusiastic birdwatchers, The John Crow mountain range on the eastern side of the island is one of the top hiking spots in Jamaica. On your hike up the mountain, you will be joined at the eastern end of the Blue Mountains, peaking at 3750 feet (1143 metres). You will have the most exotic birds, beautiful trees and flowers in the John Crow Forest who will be part of your hiking experience. On your way, do make a rest point to see the amazing view of St. Thomas, Portland and the Rio Grande River. 

For avid hikers, Cockpit Country can be really exciting hiking trails in Jamaica. This is located on the northwestern part of the island, and can be quite challenging. You will definitely need a local guide here because The Troy Trail and the Quick-Step Trail that lead to Cockpit Country are not easy to find. On your hike up, you will be stunned to discover the most amazing views of Trelawny and St. Elizabeth, some of the most exotic Jamaican birds and flourishing plant life.