“There's a sunrise and sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them.”
The devolvement of social media has made travel easy. You must explore the beauty of the world even though I get a bit upset when I see how tourism has destroyed gorgeous travel destinations.
It’s a bit hard to discover untouched gems but I am here inspire you to try. You will be pleased with yourself to see what you discover
I called the Jamaica National Heritage to arrange a tour of the Mountain River Cave. Luckily, the date I requested was granted so my niece Bryanna and I ventured to St. Catherine for the first time on April 17 2018.
Mountain River cave can be found in Cudjoe Hill, St Catherine in the Kitson Town community. I took a coaster bus to Spanish Town Taxi from downtown Kingston then a taxi to Kitson Town.
I ask the driver for a stop at the property that controls the hike to Mountain River Cave and Falls. My final stop was at a sign that provided information about the attraction.
In front of that sign was the property where the tour guides reside. We approached the property and indicate who we were and our tour guide went for his belongings to start the tour. We continued on a trail of red dirt. We passed fruit trees such as Bananas, Tangerines, Bread Fruit, Mangoes Jack Fruit just to name a few.
We came upon guard rails that we put in place by the Jamaica Defense Force. We continued on a narrow track over a wooden bridge.
I knew we were close to our final stop when I heard the sound of the river which was music to my ears falling into a pool.
Upon first sight of the falls, the water was crystal clear. Algae lined the riverbank because of the lack of rain. Nevertheless, I had a spectacular time.
Mountain River Cave and Falls is the definition of an untouched gem. I was in my happy place for sure. I did not explore the cave because I was not prepared.
There are no changing rooms so I recommend wearing your swimwear under your hiking clothes.
Bring water, towel, mosquito repellent and food if you are planning on staying a while.
JF Overden discovered the Mountain River Cave in 1897 then by JW in 1954 with the help of Robert Cooper.
The National Heritage Trust received the cave has a gift from the Archaeological Society of Jamaica in 1982 and in April 2003 it was recognised as a national monument.
It is said to be the home of the Tainos based on the artwork such as birds, fish, turtles etc. found in the cave. The caves were also used by the Tainos for religious practices to guarantee victorious hunting.
Mountain River Cave and Falls have so much history about Jamaica You will learn a lot about your heritage once you visit.
Want to learn more about the Parish of St Catherine? Would to hike to Mountain River Cave and Falls? Comment below!
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About the author
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.