GOURIE FOREST RESERVE

Among pine, mahogany and mahoe trees 2000ft in the hills northwest of Christina is the Gourie Forest Reserve. The highland nature reserve has multiple picturesque trails, Jamaica’s longest cave systems, and a history steeped in slavery. There are four main trails through the reserve, ranging from 1.9km to 4.7km in length. Following an icy river over its bed of yellow limestone is the Gourie cave running from east to west. The 2.18 mile long cave is a former hideout for runaway slaves. A guided tour explores the history of the cave, its magnificent columns and narrow fissures as well as the bio diverse forest on the reserve. The 265 acre reserve formed a part of a property formally owned by Webb family of Christina.

It is now owned by the government who have rehabilitated the recreational area using green energy and other eco conscious methods. This area include log cabins, a gazebo, bathrooms, and park benches. Non-toxic varnish and recycled materials were used in the process along with other eco-friendly fixes. To get to Gourie Forest Reserve from Christina take the first left after Bryce United Church. Make a left and right at the two Y-forks that follow and continue to the park sign.