“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey”
My fellow readers, did you know that I’m a part-time tour guide in Jamaica? Yes, I am! Although I don’t promote it much, 2024 and beyond is about to change that. I’m diving headfirst into what I love the most—exploring Jamaica’s hidden gems and photography. Recently, I planned a one-week itinerary exploring St. Andrew, Portland, and St. Thomas. One of the first places that came to mind was the magnificent Cascade Waterfall, also known as One Drop Waterfall.
My very first visit to this hidden gem was unforgettable. I was on a bike, riding through the Blue and John Crow Mountains, which had the most spectacular views imaginable.
Honestly, I had never seen mountain views so breathtaking. This experience sparked a new love—mountains—right alongside my passion for waterfalls.
My second visit to Cascade was equally amazing, but I went with my co-workers this time. We even cooked in the rain, which made for a unique and fun experience.
During that visit, I was hunting for another waterfall below Cascade but couldn’t find the entrance.
The place was already magical, but the mystery of that second waterfall kept calling to me.
The decision paid off. My guest, Izzy, was in awe of Cascade Waterfall, and I knew I’d made the right choice. But the adventure didn’t stop there! My guest, Izzy, absolutely loved it, and it quickly became his favorite.
Before we hiked to Cascade, we met a friendly community member who gave us some insider directions to the second waterfall I was seeking. Turns out, we needed to walk under a bridge to find it. So, after enjoying the beauty of Cascade, we made our way there, hiking over large stones for a few minutes before stumbling upon a truly unique waterfall.
I was speechless. This waterfall was unlike any I’d seen before—the dark color of the rock walls made it stand out from all the others I’ve explored. ‘
At that moment, I was thrilled to add this discovery to my list, now totaling over 100 waterfalls I’ve visited across Jamaica.
Even though the water was cold, I couldn’t resist a few dips and even went under the waterfall for a free massage.
Naturally, I took plenty of photos and videos! Izzy loved it, but it was clear Cascade remained his favorite.
Sharing my love for waterfalls with fellow Jamaicans and people from around the world brings me immense joy.
I’m grateful to be able to share these experiences with my readers.
Cascade Waterfall holds a special place in my heart.
It’s one of the first waterfalls that deepened my love for the parish of Portland, the thrill of exploring Jamaica’s hidden gems, and my endless admiration for waterfalls.
As always, I took tons of videos and photos, capturing every moment. We spent some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing our adventure to Fish Dunn and Balcarres Waterfalls.
Cascade Waterfall isn’t just a hidden gem for adventure seekers like myself; it’s also steeped in history.
The Cascade community once thrived as a major hub for coffee production, especially during the 1980s and 1990s, when coffee was Jamaica’s leading export.
The area was alive with economic activity as coffee farmers flourished. However, time and the forces of nature have taken their toll on the community’s infrastructure, leading to a significant exodus.
Today, though much of the community has faded, the Blue Mountain bicycle tour still brings tourists to Cascade, keeping a spark of life in this beautiful corner of Jamaica.
If you’re interested in joining me on an adventure or working together, feel free to send me an email at naturessweetescapes@gmail.com or drop me a DM on Instagram at @naturessweetescapes. I’d love to show you the hidden gems Jamaica has to offer.
Next stop? Balcarres Waterfall!
Have you visited Cascade Waterfall before? If so, what was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.