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Tucked away in the mountains of north central Jamaica lies the Gourie Forest Reserve near Coleyville, Manchester. This beautiful mountain park falls under the auspices of the Forestry Department, a public agency responsible for Jamaica’s forest resources. Lying on 265 acres of montane land at 2000 feet above sea level, the Gourie Forest Reserve is also home to the Gourie Caves, Jamaica’s longest cave system. I’m pleased to report that Gourie is once again open to the public for visits, and who better to visit Gourie with than Trekkers Adventures Jamaica! Here’s how this adventure went + everything to know about visiting the Gourie Cave and Nature Reserve.
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How to Visit the Gourie Forest Reserve
Caribbean pine & young Cupressus (Christmas) treesGourie Forest Reserve is located in the small rural district of Ticky Ticky near Coleyville, 3km northwest of Christiana, Manchester. To get to Gourie Forest Reserve from Christina, take the first left after Bryce United Church. Make a left then right at the two Y-forks which follow, and continue to the inconspicuous park sign. You’ll reach it just after the Golden Kat Guest House. Getting to the park is not difficult, but driving within the park requires a 4×4 vehicle. The parish of Manchester holds a dear place in my heart as I lived and worked there for two formative years of my career. During that time, I got to know the parish really well, venturing to landmarks such as Noisy River Falls and Alligator Pond. That being said, I never made it around to the Gourie Forest Reserve as it was closed for several years, so I’m pleased to report its reopening. Gourie is perfect for school trips, family outings, friend adventures and corporate retreats. Some tips:
- Wear long sleeves, pants and bug repellant.
- Take headlamps and flashlights for the cave.
- Carry water and food, but you can support the community by purchasing refreshments at a wholesale near the entrance of the park.
The Gourie Forest Reserve is one of Jamaica’s 249 Protected Areas, secured by law.
The Gourie Forest Reserve was once owned by the Webb family of Christiana, but is now a government-run facility. Its features include a gazebo, restrooms, benches and two log cabins (once three, but the third was destroyed by hurricane). Guided hikes at Gourie cost JM$2,500 per person and can be tailored to the needs and fitness level of the group. Tour groups must register ahead with the Forestry Department and sign a waiver. The trails aren’t well marked, so an experienced guide is mandatory. My guides were very knowledgeable about the history, flora and fauna of the area– their wisdom and fitness level were admirable! Overnighting at Gourie costs JM$9,000 per cabin per night, and each cabin can sleep up to six persons– quite a steal if you ask me! Nonetheless, I hope to see barbecuing facilities or at least a fire pit added in the near future.
Hiking at Gourie
Gourie Forest Reserve has four main trails which range in length from 1.9km to 4.7km. These trails are shaded by beautiful pine, flame of the forest, cedar, mahogany and Blue Mahoe trees, the national tree of Jamaica. Our guides expertly identified these trees for my group, pausing to show us their unique properties, including one with aphrodisiacal benefits. Beautiful bromeliads clung to these trees, and several were blooming. Occasional birdcalls and the omnipresent rhythmic high-pitched whine of mating cicadas created a summery cacophony, nature’s own playlist. I enjoyed learning what leaves, when rubbed, smelled like rose water, vanilla and other spices. I also got to appreciate the fresh fragrance of cedar bark at Gourie. We passed Otaheite apples too young to be picked, but wild raspberry bushes were filled with sweet mature fruit waiting to be enjoyed. Nature provides.
But, don’t underestimate Gourie! Just when I began to (mentally) lament the slow pace, our guides split us into two groups. I, in the faster group, was led on a steadily uphill walk through trails which crisscrossed on each other and had limestone sinkholes lurking beneath the litter of leaves, marked only by a twig with bright orange ribbon. My heart rate went through the roof but I was happy. Challenges like these are needed in preparation for high altitude hikes. It’s during these hikes that I feel most happy and closest to the Creator. These forests existed before me and will long outlive me once we make a concerted effort to protect them for future generations to enjoy. How humbling and amazing is that. Our cool unbothered guide, Mr. Elliot, seemed proud of himself seeing us pant and splutter at the rest stop because how dare us underestimate the forest through which he walks for miles each day? Shame on us!
A Visit to the Gourie Cave
Gourie Cave is located within the Gourie Forest Reserve, and Mr. Elliot took us there just before we made it back to the main recreational ground. Gourie Cave is the longest cave system in Jamaica at 3.5km in mapped length, and was a former hideout for runaway enslaved Africans. Gourie Cave follows an icy river which meanders through the porous limestone. It features magnificent columns and a few stalactites, a natural phenomenon which I hadn’t observed since my visit to the Green Grotto Caves some years ago. We didn’t come prepared with headlamps for caving but we descended the steep staircase and had a look around with phone flashlights. It’s possible to wade through the river in dry season as the water typically doesn’t exceed 4 feet in depth, but flooding is possible.
We left the cave ravenous and a little dirty. However, we had to wait on lunch, but it was well worth the wait. Lunch consisted of rich pumpkin soup, rice & peas, vegetable salad, polenta, stewed chicken, fish and bean stew. Thanks Derrymour!
Wrap Up
The sustainable development of rural Jamaica, these forests and recreational green spaces give me hope of a bright future. Central Jamaica deserves this national park. With the right publicity and maintenance, Gourie Forest Reserve has the potential to match the recreational value of Holywell in the Jamaican Blue Mountains some day. I’m looking forward to its progress, and I’m grateful to Trekkers Adventures Jamaica and the Jamaican Forestry Department for making my first visit possible. Have you ever heard of or visited the Gourie Cave and Forest Reserve? Would you like to visit? Sound off in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this post, you would also like:
- Brae Head Falls
- Noisy River Falls
- Jamaica’s Best Hiking Trails
- Bull Head Mountain (geographical centre of Jamaica)
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