Trelawny Highlands

The Trelawny Highlands encompass the rugged, elevated interior of the parish of Trelawny, much of which lies within the protected Cockpit Country. This region is a memorable example of karst landscape, with hundreds of limestone hills and deep, fertile valleys known as glades. The relief is nearly impenetrable in some areas, which allowed the Maroons to maintain their independence for decades. The highlands are a critical watershed, where heavy rainfall is absorbed by the porous rock and funneled into subterranean rivers like the Martha Brae. Economically, the lower fringes of these highlands are famous for the cultivation of yellow yams, which are celebrated annually at the Trelawny Yam Festival. The ecology is exceptionally rich, with a high concentration of endemic plants and birds. The Trelawny Highlands represent a wild and pristine part of Jamaica, where the geological history of the island is clearly visible in the sharp, white limestone formations that define the horizon.

Nearby cities

Runaway Bay

A scenic coastal resort area known for its beautiful coral reefs and historical Green Grotto Caves.

History & landmarks

Roxborough

The estate in Manchester known as the birthplace of Jamaican national hero Norman Washington Manley.

Lover's Leap Lighthouse

A modern lighthouse located on a steep cliff in St.

Mandeville Courthouse

A classic Caribbean colonial-style building that overlooks the town square of Mandeville.

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Appleton Estate

One of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean, located in the Nassau Valley in St.

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Greenwood Great House

An excellently preserved 18th-century plantation house once owned by the family of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Nature

Glistening Waters

A lagoon near Falmouth that glows at night due to bioluminescence.

Martha Brae River

A tranquil river popular for bamboo rafting trips.

Alligator Pond River

A river that empties into the fishing village of Alligator Pond on the border of Manchester and St.

Alligator Hole River

A river in Manchester known for its manatee population.

Milk River

A river known for its radioactive mineral bath.

More places

Cockpit Country Depressions

The deep karst depressions of the Cockpit Country region.

Worthy Park Sugar Factory

Historical and modern facilities dedicated to the processing of sugarcane into raw sugar and molasses for export.

Fruit Packhouse

Modern facilities where fresh Jamaican fruits are graded, cleaned, and packed for shipment to international markets.

Bio-Fuel Plant

Sustainable energy plants that convert agricultural waste and organic matter into environmentally friendly biofuels.

Jamaica Swamp Safari Village

An interactive animal park where visitors can experience crocodiles, snakes, and endemic birds up close.

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Stewart Castle Ruins

The remains of a fortified plantation residence from the mid-18th century.

Alpart Alumina Refinery

Large industrial facility for processing bauxite into alumina.

Devon Potato Farms

The cool temperatures in the mountains of Manchester allow for the commercial cultivation of potatoes.