Blue and John Crow Mountains

The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Jamaica’s only national park, is a popular tourist destination that is over 450 million years old. Only a one hour drive from Kingston to Eastern Jamaica can take you to this jaw-dropping landscape. This site includes Jamaica’s highest point— the Blue Mountain Peak at 2,256 meters (7401 feet). It covers 41,1998 hectares (101,313 acres), which is approximately 20% of the island’s total landmass. It comprises 100,000 acres of tropical montane rainforest. This location encompasses a rugged and heavily forested area, which initially offered refuge for the indigenous Tainos escaping slavery and then for the Maroons (former enslaved people). In this secluded area, they created a network of paths, hiding spots, communities, collectively known as the Nanny Town Heritage Route. This venue hosts a remarkable variety of wildlife, including a number of globally endangered species. The mountain is also covered with unique and vibrant plants and flowers. More than half of the national park’s floral species are unique to Jamaica and preserved there. Over 110 different species of trees and bushes that are more than two meters tall can be found in the enormous forest. The peak and the neighboring Blue Mountains have a greenish blue tint due to the mists and the abundant greenery. The lowlands have an annual average temperature of 26 degrees celsius but varies through the peaks and valleys. With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and beautiful scenery, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park remains a vital and unique treasure of Jamaica.