
The Blue Mountains - Not Just for Coffee
Camouflaged by a constant mist that gives it a bluish tint, the Blue Mountains is the one the Caribbean's highest mountain range and one of its most scenic. From there, you can see across the island and as far as Cuba. It dominates the eastern third of the Jamaica and its highest peak pushes past cloud at nearly 1.5 miles - just a short 10 miles from the coast of the Capital Kingston. Fiercely rugged and primitive, it is not well travelled. But those who are adventurous and brave to explore the Blue Mountains, will discover a colorful tapestry of nature - complete with rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and punctuated by tiny quaint villages.
Probably best known for its world famous coffee, the Blue Mountains range is reached by a tiny narrow road that winds itself from Kingston, along its foothills around the contour of the mountainsides. As you start the initial climb the colors change to a shade of green that will forever sticks in your memory. As you continue to climb, the air gets cooler and crisper and the lush rolling hills stretch out like an artist's canvas below you and you start seeing the occasional villages and rivers.
At about 3000 ft elevation, you enter the region were Blue Mountain Coffee is grown. Here you start to feel the moisture as you literally drive through the clouds. Because you are in the rainforest you'll see bamboo plants, ferns, many tropical vines, and of course, several small coffee plantations. You'll also find small gift shops and cafes where you can buy souvenirs or enjoy a cup of coffee. At 4000 ft, the highest point along the road, is Newcastle - Jamaica's military training post. From here, the road continue down the other side of the mountain to the coast. If, however, you want to explore the higher elevation of the Blue Mountains, only hiking trails exist.
If you climb past the 4000 ft elevation, you enter the constant moisture of the rainforest where the flora and fauna are distinctively different than at lower elevation. There are about 550 different types of fern and about 250 species of birds. This is why the Blue Mountains is favorite location of the aivery society for bird watching. It is also home of six-inch swallowtail butterfly - the largest in the Western hemisphere. Most of the Mountains is now declared a Conservation Area and is part of the Blue Mountain and John Crow National Park.
There are five major peaks that make up the Blue Mountain Range - the highest of which is the Blue Mountain peak. There are several guided tours available that will take you to any of the peaks. In fact, there are many specialty hiking, cycling, and four-wheel-drive tours. The best time to explore the peaks is during the dry winter months when the mist and moisture will be less. Keep in mind, however, that at any of the peaks during winter, the night time temperature can drop as low as in the mid 50's, so pack a sweater.