I hadn’t been to Reggae Falls in the longest while, so I decided it was time to return. I’ve probably visited about eight times before, but this trip wasn’t really about seeing Reggae Falls again.
I wanted to go above the man-made falls and dam and search for one of the hidden waterfalls further upriver.
I already knew there were more rivers and waterfalls in the area. Sometimes, all you have to do is follow the course of the river and see where it takes you.
I started my journey from downtown Kingston, where I took a coaster bus to Moneague. From there, I took a taxi to Seaforth and waited for another taxi heading towards Hillside, where Reggae Falls is located.
When I arrived, I immediately noticed how much the area had changed.There was a mining company mining sand from the area, more vendors were around, and they had also started charging an entrance fee.
Years ago when I visited Reggae Falls, I entered for free.Now, however, there are restrooms and changing rooms available. It also gives people within the community another way to make money, so I understood the reason behind it.But Reggae Falls wasn’t my final destination.I needed someone who knew how to reach the waterfall above the dam.
I asked my taxi driver if he knew about the waterfall.He didn’t, but he knew a few people he could ask.The first man wasn’t familiar with it. Another man knew about it, but he was busy at the time. He then told us about someone else who was already down by the river.
When we reached Reggae Falls, we found him, but he was busy too. Eventually, I was introduced to another man who knew the area very well, and he agreed to take me upriver. And just like that, the real adventure began.
While we walked, my guide told me stories about growing up in the area and hunting crayfish in the river.
We also saw plenty of herbs growing along the way.This area has so much natural beauty, and Yagga Lifestyle is also from around here, so there is plenty of local knowledge connected to these hills and rivers.
Before continuing upriver, we climbed above the old dam.The view was beautiful.
I stopped to take pictures, but I was also a little nervous because I’m not a big fan of heights.
You definitely have to watch where you step.
The dam is no longer in use, but the beauty of it still remains.
After reaching the top, we continued following the river.Instead of going left, we took the right side.
The further we walked, the more secluded everything became.
We saw animals grazing in the area because there are communities and farms hidden among the trees. Farmers bring their animals down to graze and drink from the river.
For about 20 minutes, we walked over rocks, through sections of the river and across uneven terrain. And then we finally found it.
A small, secluded waterfall hidden away from the more popular Reggae Falls below.
The waterfall wasn’t flowing heavily that day, but it was still beautiful.I didn’t plan on staying very long. I mainly wanted to find it, take some pictures, create some content and enjoy another hidden part of Jamaica.Of course, I forgot my Bluetooth remote.I had my tripod, but no remote to take my own photos.
Thankfully, the man who guided me helped with the camera. He had one arm, but that certainly didn’t stop him from helping me get the photos and videos I needed. After spending a little time at the waterfall, we made our way back down the river.
I stopped again around the dam to take more videos and photos before returning to the popular Reggae Falls.
After taking a few more pictures there, it was time to make my way back home to Kingston.
This trip reminded me that even when you think you know an area, there can still be so much more waiting to be discovered.
Reggae Falls might be the popular attraction, but there are rivers, waterfalls and hidden places further into the hills that many visitors never get to see.
Jamaica is filled with hidden gems. Sometimes you just have to follow the river.
Would you take this journey to find a hidden waterfall above Reggae Falls in Hillside, St. Thomas?
Let me know in the comments below.