Fern Gully is a thoroughfare in the heart of Jamaica that snakes under a green canopy of fern trees and plants. The scenic drive in the rainforest has been praised by so many people, that it has become a tourist attraction by itself. Sunlight filters through the natural roof, which is so dense in places that it looks like a tunnel.
The winding road that follows the canyon is located just off the highway between Kingston and Ocho Rios and some people book a trip here during their afternoon off on a cruise ship. The passage is closer to Ocho Rios and possibly was one of the rivers which gave the eight rivers e area its name.
Just over a century ago an earthquake destroyed the river bed, forming a rocky gorge instead. A road was built over it all and with over 500 species of ferns along its route, its chosen name is certainly appropriate. If you have time to stop along the way, see if you can spot other flora such as hardwood trees, tall trumpets and the Blue Mahoe. The scenic drive runs for 3 miles (nearly 5 kilometers).
If you would rather take your time to take it all in, walk the length of the gully. Make sure you bring extra clothing for the cooler climate and some water. On the way you can browse arts and crafts by local vendors. Bring some cash to buy sculptures of animals, hand-made bags or a wooden mask.
The density of the forest and the fragments of light penetrating through the natural green roof is best experienced during the daytime. However, it can also be a mystical trip at night when the car’s headlights bounce off the forest walls.
To get to Fern Gully you can book an organised tour or rent a car. The short drive is also affordable in a taxi from Colgate or Ocho Rios and there are no road tolls. Some tours in the area include the drive through Fern Gully, but the schedule doesn’t always allow you to get stop and take pictures.
