An independent guide to Jamaica’s highest mountains
Just a one-hour drive from the capital city of Kingston, an enchanting world of crisp, clean air, lush terrain and vibrant wildlife awaits you in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.
Jamaica’s only national park, the Blue and John Crow Mountains covers 41,198 hectares (101,313 acres) and includes Jamaica’s highest point – the Blue Mountain Peak at 2,256 metres (7,401 feet). With over 15 kilometres (9 miles) of hiking trails, the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere, hundreds of flowering plants and birds, as well as countless waterfalls, the park is a nature-lover’s paradise.
The legendary Windward Maroons that used the area as a stronghold in their resistance to British colonialism add to the mystique of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Separated from mainstream Jamaican society, the maroons maintained a distinct way of life – language, cuisine and philosophies – that can be observed by visitors to their mountain communities today.
In 2015, the Blue and John Crow Mountains was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural heritage. With the designation, Jamaica’s national park, joins the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt as an area of universal value; deserving of special protection.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the park in three recreational areas: Holywell, Portland Gap and the Blue Mountain Peak Trail.
Located over 900 metres (3,000 feet) above sea-level in the cool, tropical mist forests of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Holywell (pronounced Hollywell) is the perfect escape from the heat and stress of city life. Just an hour's drive from New Kingston, it is the largest recreation area within the National Park, and the closest to the capital.
The Blue Mountain Peak Trail is the route to Jamaica’s highest point, which sits at 2,256 metres (7,401 ft.) The trail covers a distance of 9.3 km (5.8 miles) over steep terrain and is an intense 4-hour hike to the summit.
Above 2,000 metres, as you near the summit, the lush canopy gives way to an elfin forest; where trees and shrubs are stunted and gnarled due to high elevation exposure.
The Blue Mountain Peak Trail is the route to Jamaica’s highest point, which sits at 2,256 metres (7,401 ft.) The trail covers a distance of 9.3 km (5.8 miles) over steep terrain and is an intense 4-hour hike to the summit.
Surrounded by a riot of tropical plants including Jamaica’s national tree, the Blue Mahoe, Holywell has five walking trails to explore with just enough difficulty to make it fun. These nature walks are suitable for children and senior citizens.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is one of the largest migratory bird sites in the Caribbean. Warblers, falcons, merlins and kingfishers are among the 120 species that retreat to the tropical forest each year to escape winter. The migration of northern birds begins in October and ends in April of the following year. As the northern birds return home, the forest prepares to welcome southern migratory birds on their winter break from March to September. Migratory birds join Jamaica’s 29 endemic birds in the national park and over 100 native species. The Blue and John Crow Mountains is the only location where all of Jamaica’s unique or endemic bird species can be observed.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is the historic home of the Windward Maroons. Maroons are Africans who refused to submit to forced labour on plantations in the 17th -19th centuries and defended their freedom from the formidable terrain of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. They are the first ‘keepers of the forest’. Separated from the rest of Jamaica by the mountain divide, Maroons developed as a distinct community with its own unique language, cuisine, laws and lifestyle. Community tours visit the maroon communities at Scott’s Hall, Moore Town, Charles Town and Bowden Pen.
Especially in the summer, Holywell is a great place to escape the Caribbean heat and enjoy lower, cooler temperatures in the highlands. Campsites at Holywell feature BBQ grills, water, shower and toilet facilities.
The lawns at Holywell are great for enjoying a picnic with friends and family. Gazebos and BBQ grills are also available.
Guests at Holywell can learn about the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park at the Visitor’s Centre which features information about the geography, biology and culture of the region.
From the verandahs of the cabins at Holywell, guests can enjoy stunning views of Kingston and Jamaica’s south coast. Cabins feature bathroom facilities, kitchenettes, hot water and WIFI. They also offer the unique opportunity to enjoy fireplaces in the Caribbean. Cabins come with bed linen and toiletries. Air beds are available for rent.
The newly expanded cabins at Portland Gap offer the last respite on the Blue Mountain Peak trail. Two buildings offer a total of 7 rooms with a choice of bunk beds and floor space. The facility includes a kitchen and BBQ, toilets and showers.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is the historic home of the Windward Maroons. Maroons are Africans who refused to submit to forced labour on plantations in the 17th -19th centuries and defended their freedom from the formidable terrain of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. They are the first ‘keepers of the forest’. Separated from the rest of Jamaica by the mountain divide, Maroons developed as a distinct community with its own unique language, cuisine, laws and lifestyle. Community tours visit the maroon communities at Scott’s Hall, Moore Town, Charles Town and Bowden Pen.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a unique environment for the Caribbean. The area experiences considerable rainfall and low temperatures, especially at night. Some areas of the park are only accessible on foot. Cellular service in remote areas is unstable. These conditions can make search and rescue a challenge. Emergencies are rare in the national park. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the mountains safely:
