The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is located in eastern Jamaica, northeast of Kingston. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and significant biodiversity. The mountains are also historically significant as a refuge for the Tainos and Maroons during the colonial era.
Key Features:
• Location: Situated in the eastern part of Jamaica, northeast of Kingston.
• Biodiversity: The mountains are home to a wide array of plant and animal species, including many endemic to the island and the area.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its natural and cultural significance, including its role as a sanctuary for the Maroons.
• Hiking and Recreation: Offers various hiking trails, including the challenging Blue Mountain Peak hike, and recreational areas like Holywell National Park.
• Cultural Significance: Served as a refuge for the Tainos and Maroons, with Maroon settlements and trails still present in the mountains.
Things to Do:
• Hiking: Explore the diverse trails, including the popular Blue Mountain Peak hike.
• Camping: Find camping options at various locations within the park, such as Whitfield Hall Hostel and Portland Gap.
• Picnics: Enjoy picnics at designated areas like Holywell.
• Coffee Tours: Learn about and experience the famous Blue Mountain coffee.
• Nature Observation: Observe the unique flora and fauna of the region.
• Cultural Experiences: Discover the history and culture of the Maroons and their settlements.
Getting There:
• The park can be accessed from Kingston (approx. 1 hour drive) or Portland.
• Transportation options include private vehicles, taxis, and buses.
• Some areas are accessible by 4WD Land Rovers, especially for the Blue Mountain Peak hike.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP) offers breathtaking landscapes and a diverse range of wildlife that inhabits the area.
Covering 100,000 acres of tropical montane rainforest, the park is often called "the lungs of eastern Jamaica." It protects approximately 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest in Jamaica's northeast. Established in 1993, it remains the island's only national park.
Since 2015, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park spans four eastern parishes: St. Andrew, Portland, St. Thomas, and St. Mary.
The park hosts many of Jamaica's unique plant and animal species. The area is known for over 800 endemic plant species, including the giant swallowtail (Papilio homerus), the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere, along with 200 species of resident and migratory birds. It is one of the Caribbean's largest habitats for migratory birds. Ecclesdown and Hardwar Gap in the Blue Mountains are noted as excellent spots to observe much of the island’s flora and fauna, including the famous Blue Mountain Coffee, which grows well in the cool, misty upper mountain areas.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains also served as a refuge for the Maroons, escaped enslaved Africans. Throughout these mountains, the Maroons established settlements, hiding spots, and a network of trails that helped them evade capture and ultimately secure their freedom.
https://www.blueandjohncrowmountains.org/
Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, 25 Eastwood Park Road, Kingston 10
Kingston
+1 876 920-8278
Park Managers
JAMAICA CONSERVATION
AND DEVELOPMENT TRUST
25 Eastwood Park Road,
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-619-9807
Cell & Whatsapp: 876-357-9565
Website: www.jcdt.org.jm
