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Jamaica is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and lush landscapes. While locals and visitors alike usually flock to the coast, the interior regions of Kingston & St. Andrew offer a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Among these treasures are beautiful rivers, each with its own unique charm and allure. From cascading waterfalls to serene swimming spots, here are six rivers you can explore without a long drive, paying toll or leaving Kingston & St. Andrew.
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1. Penfield Waterfall
Tucked away in the cool hills of Gordon Town, Penfield Waterfall is a serene oasis waiting to be explored. The journey to reach this hidden gem takes you through winding roads and lush greenery, offering glimpses of the island’s rich biodiversity along the way. Park next to the shops by the Penfield village square as the road becomes too narrow for cars to continue any further. Take the dirt track for a next 5- 10 minutes which will involve crossing two footbridges. You’ll hear the waterfall as you draw closer and upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sight of crystal-clear water cascading down moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool below. Penfield Waterfall offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and I’m always amazed that this much tranquility is hiding in plain sight mere minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Papine and city life.
- 2024 Cost: Free
- For more information: Penfield Falls
2. Pretty Close
Orchid Falls at Pretty CloseJust a stone’s throw away from Penfield lies another hidden gem known as Pretty Close. This picturesque river boasts pristine water that winds its way down through the lush landscape, creating a tranquil setting perfect for relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking to unwind with a delicious riverside meal, Pretty Close offers something for everyone. I suggest making an entire day trip out of Pretty Close, hiking to its four hidden falls then refueling with Ramo’s ital soup and a delicious Jamaican brunch made just like Mama’s cooking. This hidden gem lives up to its motto of not far, pretty close.
- 2024 Cost: starts at US$30/$4,700 JMD per person (food-inclusive!)
- Safe for solo/female travel!
- For more information: Pretty Close
3. Cane River Falls
Located in the suburban community of Bull Bay, Cane River Falls is a hidden oasis that promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. The journey to reach this secluded paradise takes you through rugged terrain then down one hundred steps carved out of rock. But, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water long before which heightens the anticipation for the natural wonder which awaits. You know what they say, “encouragement sweetens labour!” Cane River Falls cascades over a steep rockface, creating a mesmerizing display of cascading water and a vibrant pool. This was one of Bob Marley’s favourite spots to cool off and wash his locks, and it’s not hard to see why.
- 2024 Cost: $500JMD per person
- Safety Advisory: Travel in groups!
- For more information: Cane River Falls
4. Falling Edge Falls
Nestled in the heart of Bowden Hill, Stony Hill, Falling Edge Falls is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This secluded river offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings. The journey to reach Falling Edge Falls takes you down a short 15-minute trail in a lush rainforest, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Jamaican countryside. As you approach the falls, you’ll be greeted by the sight of water cascading down moss-covered rocks into a crystal-clear pool below. Take care though as the mosquitoes here are frightful and the tiny riverbank fills up very quickly on weekends. This waterfall is located 4km away from Alpinia, Kingston’s newest Airbnb.
- 2024 Cost: $500 JMD per person
- For more information: Falling Edge Falls
5. Maamee River
Hidden away in the hills of St. Andrew, Maamee River is a tranquil oasis that offers a welcome respite from the heat of the day. This pristine river is perfect for swimming and picnicking on its banks. As you follow the meandering path of the river, you’ll encounter secluded pools and cascading waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. Make sure to look out carefully for the left turnoff to Maamee from Gordon Town Road though, as you can easily miss the turn.
- 2024 Cost: Free
- For more information: Maamee River
6. Mount James
Last but not least, let’s talk about the river by Mount James/Mount Airy next to the Langley Great House. Rising majestically above the landscape of St. Andrew, Mount James is located in Golden Spring on the site of an old coffee plantation. After passing the great house, you’ll be greeted by a tiny river cascading down the mountainside, and if you visit during wet season, may even run into a few pristine waterfalls. Make sure to walk with your bug repellant though; you’ll need it!
- 2024 Cost: Free
Honorary Kingston & St. Andrew river mentions go to:
- Grove River in Gordon Town
- The cold spring at Kingston Reggae Garden
- Waterfall in the Sugar Loaf community
- RafJam and Peter’s Field Waterfalls in Irish Town
- Waterfall/river in top & bottom Maryland
Wrap Up
While Kingston & St. Andrew may be best known for their vibrant urban culture, hidden within their borders are some beautiful natural wonders worthy of attention. From cascading waterfalls to serene swimming spots, these six rivers offer a glimpse into the island’s untamed beauty and provide the perfect escape for those seeking adventure or relaxation. So, the next time you find yourself longing for a river par, explore off the beaten path closer to home. Have you visited any of these spots before? Which would you like to visit? Need a base in Kingston from which to explore these rivers? Check out Alpinia on Airbnb.
If you enjoyed this post, you’d also like:
- 5 Places to Raft in Jamaica
- 3 Jamaican Rum Distilleries You Can Tour
- A Guide to 50 Jamaica’s Waterfalls
- The Best Time to Visit Jamaica
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English (US) ·