Cranbrook Flower Forest
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

This beautiful park is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the lush beauty of Jamaica away from the crowds. The area is the private creation of Ivan Linton, who has pampered the plants of this former plantation for over two decades. “It has taken 19 years to develop,” says Linton. “I am a dabbler. I’ve always enjoyed gardening and been involved in horticultural societies.”

Today, Linton proudly points out the bird of paradise, croton, ginger, heliconia and begonias. The grounds are perfect for a picnic. After you eat, hike alongside the shady Laughlands’ Great River. The path climbs high into the hills to a waterfall paradise and is highly recommended.

The day we journeyed here, children were playing in the river as their mothers did laundry in the shallow water. Other activities include bird watching, pond fishing, croquet, donkey rides and volleyball.

Ivan Linton

Our Tip: Be sure to wear good walking shoes for the hike at Cranbrook. On our recent visit, we hiked up to the waterfalls over very slippery rocks.

Our Visit to Cranbrook: It was a hot July afternoon and when most travelers hit the beach, we hit the hills. Grabbing a picnic lunch in one hand and a birding guide in the other, we headed for Cranbrook Flower Forest, west of Ocho Rios. Far from the crowds of Dunn’s River Falls, here we could explore the beauty of Jamaica in peace and quiet.

With not a vendor in sight, we strolled the quiet paths of the site that is so appropriately named “flower forest.” Colorful blooms filled the air with scent and lit our way along the trails like neon nights. Under the forest canopy, we reached for our binoculars and watched birds flit from branch to branch, occasionally hearing a call in the denser forest beyond. We continued.

The forest growth thickened as the trail edged its way alongside the Laughlands Great River. Now tucked under a dense canopy, we began to climb, winding our way through this land which once served as a sugar plantation and later grew copra and pimento. Continuing to climb, we spotted a family in the river below, doing their weekly washing. As their mothers bent over plastic tubs filled with clothing and chatted with each other, the children romped in the shallow waters. They glanced up for a second and caught sight of us, waving for a moment before continuing their aquatic games.

The dirt trail gave way to rounded stones. Suddenly, we could hear the roar of the falls. A Rastafarian man and his daughter swam in the deep water at the foot of the falls and we joined them, enjoying a quiet dip in the pristine environment. After drying on the surrounding rocks, we headed back to the lowlands. Just steps out of the falls, however, an afternoon shower became a deluge and our dry clothes were once again wet.

Laughing, we strolled back beneath the forest canopy. There is more than one way to stay in cool in Jamaica.