There's no charge to enter most parts of the Blue Mountains; however, visitors pay J$200 to enter the managed Hollywell Recreational Park area and walk its trails. Park information is available from each of the Blue and John Crow national parks' three ranger stations, located at Hollywell, Portland Gap and Millbank.

 Theoretically always open (though Hollywell is the liveliest and by far the most accessible), these can provide advice on weather conditions and trail access, and ordnance survey maps are on display. None of the ranger stations has a phone, but you can make prior contact through the administrative park office at Guava Ridge (phone: 876/997-8044 or 8069; Mon-Fri 10am-4pm).

No matter where you're walking in the Blue Mountains, it's almost always advisable to use a guide; given the changeable weather conditions and poor hiking maps (in a terrain with few obvious landmarks), it's very easy to get lost. Security can also be a problem for unaccompanied hikers, particularly on the Kingston side of the mountains.

A guide will ensure your safety, clear overgrown paths and provide an informed commentary.

You can arrange a guide through any of the accommodation options listed in this section, but if you just want a day tour or guided hike, contact Sun Venture, 30 Balmoral Ave, Kingston 10 (phone: 876/960-6685, fax 920-8348, ), which offers trips to the gorgeous Cinchona gardens, as well as various day-long mountain walks (US$60-80), and a hike up the peak trail, with a night at Wildflower Lodge in Penlyne Castle (US$130). Prices are based on groups of two to four people and transport is included.

Jamaica Travel Guide
Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Negril, Blue Mountains, Portland

Caribbean Travel Guide