Fern Gully is a scenic and lush 3-mile drive through a tropical rainforest in Jamaica, known for its ferns and towering trees that create a canopy over the road. It’s a popular spot for tourists seeking a glimpse of Jamaica’s natural beauty. Fern Gully’s history is quite fascinating. It began as a riverbed, one of eight rivers flowing in the Ocho Rios region, covered by dense rain forest. However, after the 1907 earthquake, the river ceased to exist, and the riverbed eventually transformed into the paved road we see today.
In the 1880s, the former underground riverbed was planted with ferns and later paved over to create the main highway (A1) between Spanish Town and the North Coast. This area has always been known for its dense, canopy-like rain forest that covered the riverbed.
Today, Fern Gully is a scenic stretch of road, nestled between Ocho Rios and the community of Colgate, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich history. It’s a must-see for nature-loving travelers visiting Jamaica.