Cockpit Country » Trails

Gourie Farmlands

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:39:04 +0000

Gourie Park is a forest reserve full of pine, mahogany, and mahoe trees growing atop dramatic cockpits. It offers cabin camping, wonderful hiking trails, and is home to the famous Gourie Caves.

Hector’s River Sink

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:58:17 +0000

Hector’s River Sink is a series of river sinks filled with complex and cavernous boulder passages that make for a challenging and rewarding hike.

Light House View Point

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:49:10 +0000

Located at Wilson’s Run, Light House View Point is rock projection whose vantage point offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Cockpit Country.

Windsor to Troy Hiking Trail

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:25:02 +0000

The Winsdor to Troy Hiking Trail is one of the most formidable hikes in Western Jamaica

Built by the British Army during the Maroon Wars in the 1700s, this trail is one of the most interesting and formidable hikes in Western Jamaica. One of the only remaining routes traversing the Cockpit Country, its contours and embankments remain highly impressive in its seldom-used state.

Burnt Hill Road Hiking Trail

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:29:43 +0000

Burnt Hill Road is a relaxing and leisurely trail for all ages to view and enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife, and unique geological formations of the Cockpit Country. It is celebrated for its great bird watching, in particular the Jamaican yellow and black-billed parrots.

Flagstaff Heritage Tour & Trails

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:32:10 +0000

The sheltered isolation, natural wealth and biological multiplicity of the Cockpit Country have been instrumental to the survival of the Maroons. Guided tours through the area honour this past and provide a segue to the future for the continued sustainability and discovery of the uniqueness of the Cockpit, as well as preserving the centuries-old legacy of one of Jamaica’s most hallowed grounds.

The Flagstaff Heritage Tour & Trails involves a series of three trails commencing from the town center. Guided tours provide an insider view into the historical and cultural heritage of Flagstaff as well as an understanding of the abundant bounty of natural resources available in present-day Cockpit Country.

In addition to the experience of walking the trails and learning about the history of Flagstaff, visitors will enjoy cultural presentations from the community – such as singing, drumming and dramatic historical re-enactment performances – and have the opportunity to purchase local products and crafts produced in Flagstaff and neighbouring communities. The history of Flagstaff is brought to life through viewings of Maroon and British burial sites; the place where the Peace Treaty between the Maroons and the British was originally signed; the former British parade and training grounds and barracks; the site of the old Hospital; and Petty River Bottom, where the Maroon’s campaign for freedom was memorialized.

Among the tours offered are the Dragoon Hole Trail, the Maroon Trail and the Cemetery Trail. Herbal gardens, healing mineral springs, exquisite flora and fauna, and historic landmarks are among the habitats visitors will experience, all of which are enhanced by the defining character of the area, its people. More than a museum in the rainforest, Flagstaff is an active community whose survival and well-being is directly interconnected with its environmental resources. A privileged insight into this time-honoured life cycle is just one of the many highlights of an enchanted journey to Flagstaff.