“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
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I decided to revisit Tacky Waterfalls in St. Mary, and let me tell you—it was a redemption trip. My first visit years ago was honestly a disaster. I brought my niece and her friend, and the falls were completely dried up. The trail was steep, slippery, and downright nerve-wracking. I kept thinking, "Lord, I’m about to kill these kids off." But this time? Completely different story. Our day began along the winding Junction road.
With a quick stop for banana porridge—a comforting, nostalgic breakfast that always hits.
As we continued driving, I caught a view so stunning I had to stop and capture it.
The mountains rolled on for miles, and there was a beautiful coconut farm nearby.
I found myself wondering… Should I start my own coconut farm one day?
That’s how much peace the scene gave me. We made a wrong turn (my fault—I thought I remembered the way), but after a few questions and some help from Google Maps, we were back on track. I’d taken this route before while hunting for Stewart Mountain Waterfall, so the terrain felt vaguely familiar.
After about an hour of driving, we reached the starting point. The hike began through private property (with permission, of course), and we were offered guidance by a local tour guide who joined us for part of the journey.
We passed by mango trees, bananas, tomatoes, breadfruit, and other herbs and spices. The air was rich with the scent of earth and greenery. The steep terrain was a challenge, but as I always say—difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.
As I walked, memories of my previous hikes came flooding back—like the nameless waterfall in St. Andrew that I can’t wait to write about. This part of the path mirrored Pretty Close in St. Andrew—banana trees framing the trail on both sides, and the sky stretching out in an endless blue canvas above.
Years ago, there wasn’t even a trail. But now, thanks to increased visitors, they’ve added hand railings and carved steps into the steep hillside.
The effort to make the hike safer is deeply appreciated.
Then came the infinity steps. And as I descended… There she was. The mighty Tacky Waterfalls, flowing and alive for the first time in my eyes. My last visit showed me Tacky’s bones—but today, I saw Tacky’s soul.
Tucked away near Islington in St. Mary Parish, Tacky Falls is more than a waterfall — it is a quiet monument to defiance, where the spirit of resistance flows as freely as the water itself. I stood in quiet reverence, humbled by the power and beauty woven into this historic place.
The falls bear the name of Chief Tacky, a Fante nobleman from present-day Ghana, whose legacy lives on through one of the most powerful uprisings against slavery in the Caribbean’s history.
In April 1760, Chief Tacky ignited a fierce rebellion against British rule — an uprising that would echo through time as Tacky's Revolt.
The uprising began in St. Mary Parish, where Tacky and his followers seized plantations like Frontier and Trinity, overthrew the overseers, and captured weapons from Fort Haldane in Port Maria — a bold cry for freedom etched into the land.
Their dream was bold — to establish an African-led nation on Jamaican soil. But the rebellion was eventually crushed by British forces, with support from Maroon communities who, bound by treaty, were obligated to suppress such uprisings.
Chief Tacky was ultimately killed by a Maroon marksman named Davy, and his severed head was displayed in Spanish Town.
A brutal warning to others who dared to rise. Many of his followers chose death over surrender, taking their own lives in a cave near what we now call Tacky Falls — a haunting reminder of their unbreakable spirit.
Today, Tacky Falls stands as a silent witness to one of Jamaica’s most turbulent and courageous chapters.
Tucked away from the rush of modern life, the falls remain largely untouched — a raw, sacred space where nature and history quietly intertwine.
Reaching the falls isn’t easy — the terrain is rugged and wild, much like the history it holds.
To journey safely, it’s best to seek the guidance of local experts who know the land well.
Though the exact location of the cave where Tacky's followers met their end remains unknown.
The surrounding area endures as a sacred space — a place of quiet reflection and remembrance.
Monuments like the one in Claude Stuart Park in Port Maria stand in solemn tribute to Tacky’s legacy and the unyielding spirit of those who dared to fight for freedom.
I arrived at just the right moment — it was my first time witnessing Tacky’s beauty, and it left me in quiet awe.
The views, the history, the energy—it was everything I’d hoped for and more.
I laid down on a large rock, soaking in the sight. The mountain backdrop, the echo of the water cascading down smooth stone—it was a moment of redemption. I came back at the right time.
I came back to Tacky Waterfalls expecting a beautiful view. What I found was something deeper—connection, redemption, and awe. My niece and her friend didn’t come this time, but I’m glad I saw it for what it truly is.
Would you hike steep hills and cross rivers to reach a place where freedom fighters once stood?
Have you ever been to Tacky Falls? What was your experience like?
Let me know in the comments below—and as always, thank you for joining me on another meaningful adventure across Jamaica.
Until next time—see you on the next trail.
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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..