“When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.”
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I saw a waterfall posted by Emilio on Instagram, and I instantly fell in love. There was something captivating about it—raw, untouched, hidden. I spent years trying to reach that waterfall. I made several attempts to hike there, but with no clear path, it always ended in disappointment. This waterfall is, without a doubt, the most dangerous one I’ve ever tried to find.
On one of those failed attempts, Jess and I had planned to visit it for my birthday. But when she saw how wild and unmarked the trail was, we decided to stay at Fern Fever Waterfall instead and celebrate there.
(You can check out that birthday vlog on her YouTube channel!)
Determined, I contacted Ramo, the owner of Pretty Close 876, and booked a visit. He connected me with Jeffrey, my guide for the day—an incredibly patient, kind, and skilled hiker.
I met up with Jeffrey early in the morning, and our journey began. The river was calm, the water slowly flowing downstream. I felt ready.
We climbed a few steps to the start of the trail. My favorite section was still as beautiful as I remembered—banana and coffee trees on both sides, in every shade of green. That section always feels like walking through a living painting.
We made our way to Governor Waterfall, climbing over rocks, pushing through spider webs, and walking through the cool river. I love Governor—but I prefer it before the crowds arrive.
I climbed the rocks, grabbing onto vines and roots, while Jeffrey casually scaled the waterfall itself like it was nothing. The view from the top was stunning. We continued upstream, where the river trail turned wilder, with spider webs blocking our way—a sure sign of a trail barely used.
We took a photo at the top before continuing.
The river above was scenic and calm. We wandered along the river’s path, where every turn offered a canvas of calm and color.
The gorge welcomed us gently, its shallow waters parting just enough to let us pass without a plunge.
Spider webs stretched like silver threads across our path, whispering secrets of a trail seldom touched. In that moment, I knew—we were walking where few had dared.
I’d walked this path many times before—each step echoing with familiarity. But this time, my heart longed to wander beyond Fern Fever Falls, to discover what mysteries lay further ahead.
We made our way to Fern Fever Waterfall, where Jeffrey scaled the slippery hillside with the ease of a spider in its element. I watched in awe—what seemed impossible to me was second nature to him, a skill honed since his youth.
As Jeffrey disappeared into the greenery in search of the hidden waterfall, I lingered behind, capturing the quiet beauty of Fern Fever through my lens.
Jeffrey returned, and together we began the climb. It was the most treacherous hike I’d ever faced—no ropes, no rails, just instinct and grit. Every step required trust: in the trees I gripped for support, in the rocks beneath my feet, each one tested before I moved. I wish you could’ve seen me in action. I’ll be upgrading to proper hiking gear soon—for safety, and for the full adventure.
After what felt like the scariest moment of my life—rocks tumbling into the waterfall below, my feet slipping with nowhere firm to grip, and every tree I reached for offering no support—I clung to hope and to Jeffrey’s steady hands. He held me like his life depended on it. And somehow, we made it. Reaching the top of the waterfall, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, breathless not just from the climb, but from the sheer miracle of it all.
We pressed on, scrambling over ancient rocks, each one carrying us closer to the unknown. The final stretch of the trail led us over a massive rock—an unspoken gate to the beauty that waited beyond.
As I pulled myself over the rock, the waterfall came into view—peeking through the trees like it had been waiting for me all along.
At last, I laid eyes on the waterfall I had been chasing for years—a dream carved in water and time, now real before me.
Before diving in or reaching for my camera, I paused to make a warm cup of tea—savoring the moment, the silence, and the reward of the journey.
Pretty Close 876 never fails to amaze me—there’s always some hidden beauty quietly waiting to be discovered.
This nameless waterfall left me breathless. Jeffrey and I were captivated—we couldn’t resist capturing its magic through our lenses.
I was completely awestruck by the beauty of this nameless waterfall.
Jeffrey and I were spellbound, pausing every few steps to capture its untamed magic through our lenses.
For those unfamiliar, Pretty Close 876 is a peaceful riverside haven tucked away in Gordon Town, St. Andrew. Created by local Rastafarian Omar “Ramo” Edwards, it offers a soulful mix of Jamaica’s natural charm and rich, flavorful cuisine—an experience that feeds both body and spirit.
The name “Pretty Close” was born from Ramo’s warm reassurance to curious visitors—that this riverside escape is “not far, pretty close” from Kingston’s hustle.
Did you know that one of the rivers winding through the lush property of Pretty Close 876 in Gordon Town is called the Flora River—a name as gentle and graceful as the waters themselves?
This peaceful stream weaves its way through the verdant landscape, creating a soothing backdrop that invites visitors to slow down and simply be.
The Flora River lies at the heart of the Pretty Close 876 experience. Along its winding path, it reveals hidden treasures—natural freshwater pools and four enchanting waterfalls: Orchid Falls, Governor Falls, Fern Fever Falls, and the majestic Lion Falls.
These cascades invite adventure and serenity—perfect for hiking through lush terrain, taking a refreshing swim, or simply unwinding in the embrace of nature’s beauty.
Pretty Close 876 is adorned with charming, hand-built structures crafted from stone and wood—gazebos nestled under the trees, hammocks swaying in the breeze, and an open-air kitchen that brings cooking back to nature.
Renowned for its ital meals, Pretty Close 876 serves plant-based dishes made without salt or processed ingredients—each one slow-cooked over woodfire or coal, echoing the ancestral rhythms of traditional Jamaican cooking.
After soaking in the magic of the waterfalls, Jeffrey and I shared a quiet goodbye, hearts full and spirits refreshed.
A quiet worry tugged at me—the return journey loomed, uncertain and steep, echoing the challenges we had just conquered.
I tried to quiet the dread, but deep down, I knew the return would test me. At one point on the steep hillside, my body froze—I couldn’t move. I focused on staying calm as Jeffrey reached for me, lifting me with care and strength I’ll never forget. We paused at Fern Fever for a few final photos, capturing the last echoes of our adventure, before retracing our steps back to where it all began.
How many times have you been to Pretty Close 876? Have you discovered any hidden waterfalls there?
Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time, stay wild and keep exploring.
#PrettyClose876 #FloraRiver #HiddenWaterfalls #NatureSweetEscapes
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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.