Fern Gully hotels in Jamaica, Jamaica

Visiting Jamaica’s Fern Gully

Fern Gully is a picturesque stretch of road that winds its way for three miles along a gorge from Ocho Rios to the parish of Colgate.

Fern Gully gets its name from the 300 varieties of ferns and trees that line the road, creating a tunnel of lush green foliage, which you can drive through. Look out for the Blue Mahoe ferns – the national tree of Jamaica – as well as the banana trees.

Stay near Jamaica’s Fern Gully

Fern Gully is near the resort town of Ocho Rios, about an hour and a half’s drive from the resorts at Montego Bay. On the drive out from Ocho Rios to Fern Gulley, you find a few two-star guesthouses on Milford Road. If you’d rather be nearer the water, choose a condo, apartment or all-inclusive resort on Main Street or Turtle Beach Road, where the cruise ships come in.

The History of Fern Gully

An earthquake destroyed one of Ocho Rios eight rivers in1907, leaving a dry riverbed which became Fern Gully. Once just a path, Fern Gulley was later paved over and made into the beautiful road that it is still in use today.

A drive or tour along Fern Gulley is must both for its beauty and for the street stalls which line the road selling traditional Jamaican handicrafts. Many of the stalls here are famous for their life-sized sculptures of naked men, so get your camera ready for a picture.

Attractions in and around Ocho Rios

While you’re in Ocho Rios, make the time to visit some other attractions nearby. One of the most famous by far is Dunn’s River Falls, where you can swim in the natural cascades and climb the falls with experienced guides.

For a bit of an adventure, visit the Green Grotto Caves, explore their magnificent rock formations and learn about their fascinating history. And when you’ve finished exploring and climbing, there’s nowhere better to relax than Doctor’s Cave Beach with its fine sands and plenty of facilities.