Fern Gully – Road running south of Ocho Rios to Colgate
Fern Gully is a winding scenic stretch of road which starts in Ocho Rios and runs for three miles, ending up in the community of Colgate.
The area gets its name from the wide variety of ferns which grow in the area, towering high above the road forming a shady tunnel of lush greenery. The varieties of plant life may be lost on many visitors but keen botanists will enjoy seeing approximately 300 varieties of fern in addition to other species such as Blue Mahoe and Banana trees.
The roadway through Fern Gully was established in 1907 when an earthquake destroyed one of the eight rivers in the Ocho Rios area. The river bed was subsequently paved and the roadway was established.
Vendors line the road, selling wooden carvings and sculptures. The area is famous for life sized sculptures of “anatomically exaggerated” males. Some stalls will allow you to have your picture taken with one of the sculptures for a small fee.
