Fern Gully

Fern Gully gained its name from the 300-plus species of fern which line its route. Along with thousands of other plants in the lush jungle, they make up a fabulous natural canopy of flora over the bisecting road. At times, the covering is thick enough to resemble a tunnel while, in other places, sunlight filters through, creating a kaleidoscope of green for you to enjoy.

This twisting road through the natural growth became a tourist destination by word of mouth. It is found near the motorway between Kingston and Ocho Rios, and is understood locally to have once been one of the watercourses that contributed to the Eight Rivers area name. Just over 100 years ago, an earthquake significantly altered the topography of the area, creating a rocky, narrow canyon in the river’s place. Later, a road was constructed here to create a picturesque route five kilometres long.

Try to make time for a stop along the way to take a closer look at some of the other magnificent plantlife along the route, from tall trumpets and the Blue Mahoe, to wonderful hardwood trees.

For the more energetic visitor, or if you’d just like to absorb the aura of the forest at a slower pace, you can walk along the gully. It’s important to remember to bring drinking water and some extra layers for the cooler surroundings here. There are plenty of stalls along the way where you can pick up souvenirs or cultural artefacts. The area is particularly well-known for its sculptures of “anatomically exaggerated” males.

While the route is best enjoyed during daylight hours, an entirely different experience is offered by a nighttime drive, with the car’s lights reflecting and illuminating the forest all around you.

Fern Gully can be accessed by tour bus or with a rented car, or you could take an (affordable) taxi from Colgate or Ocho Rios. Some regional tours pass through here, but they don’t necessarily stop to allow you to take photographs.