General Information about Forest Trek II 2025: Blue Mountain Forest Reserve, St. Andrew
Get ready to experience everything you are looking for in a hike in the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve. Challenge. Rejuvenation. Fun. Excitement. Kodak moments. Intrigue. Did I mention rivers and waterfalls? This trail has it all.
Sitting in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trail satisfies more than your physical well-being. This tranquil escape strips your mind of your worries, and our guided tour will enrich your mind with the rich ecological and cultural heritage of this remarkable forest.
Get ready to tick off your ideal hiking checklist at Forest Trek II. Join in the Forest Trek #HikeLife.
Family-friendly fun: Forest Trek II 2025 is designed with the whole family in mind.
Trekkers aged 13 and up will take on the full 10km journey from Gordon Town Square to Holywell Recreational Park, enjoying the scenic beauty and forested trails along the way.
Children aged 12 and under can participate in a specially curated 1km nature trail within the Holywell Recreational Park—perfect for younger Trekkers. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
A variety of registration packages: Choose the hiking package of your choice Trek Lite, Trek Cru or Trek Fam. (See registration for details.)
Optional turn-back points: A turn-back point is available at the 5km mark to accommodate hikers who prefer a shorter hike.
Relaxation and rejuvenation: Take a break and cool off in designated swimming holes along the trail.
Forest Funland: At the finish line, children can look forward to a variety of games and activities in the Forest Funland.
Purpose of the Hike
The primary goal of the hike is to raise public awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for Jamaica’s forests.
Participants will embark on a scenic trek through the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve, immersing themselves in its rich biodiversity and breathtaking verdure. Along the way, you. have the opportunity to actively contribute to forest conservation by taking part in a meaningful tree-planting exercise—helping to preserve this vital ecosystem for generations to come.
About the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve
The Blue Mountain Forest Reserve is one of Jamaica’s greatest treasures. The largest forest reserve in Jamaica, it stretches across the parishes of St. Andrew, Portland, St. Mary, and St. Thomas, covering 41,082.51 hectares and gazetted on December 1, 1950. The reserve encompasses one of the largest areas of Closed Broadleaf Forests in the island. These are primary forests (forests that exhibit very little to no signs of human activity and disturbance), characterised by broadleaf trees that grow to a height of at least 5 meters tall and have an interlocking crown or closed canopy.
The Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountains National Park, which sits within the forest reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its exceptional natural and cultural heritage.
Spanning rugged terrain and lush montane forests, the reserve is home to hundreds of endemic plant and animal species, including Jamaica’s largest butterfly and rare orchids. It also preserves the legacy of the Windward Maroons, who used the forest as a refuge during their resistance against colonial rule. Their traditions — language and medicine remain embedded in the landscape, making the reserve a living testament to Jamaica’s biodiversity and outstanding history.