The bird-watching trail offers an opportunity to discover 24 species of birds and over 200 species of flowering trees and shrubs, which are currently being identified. The trail lasts approximately 2 hours, and everything that an explorer needs with the provided map, bird pictures and bottled water. The cost is $20.00 per person (excluding packed lunch) and includes Maroon or Dave, our guides, who are required on the first hike.
The gardens at Strawberry Hill date back to the 1820s and provide a mature canopy for the mountaintop panoramas. Trails, steep on some corners and mostly in cool shade, meander gently through the forests. Black Anthuriums, Pepperomias, ground Orchids and Agaves can be found under the shades of Locust, Mango and Trumpet trees. While Jamaican Lizard Cuckoos, Jamaican Woodpeckers, Doctor Bird, which is the national bird of Jamaica, and Vervain Hummingbirds offer their own artistic melody. Passage areas are also named after the birds that have been sighted there such as Auriole Corner, Cuckoo Grove and Woodpecker lanes.
As the forest’s original agricultural crop Coffee is being re-cultivated, Strawberry Hill uses sustainable farm practices such as berry borer traps, natural fertilizers and growing seedlings to expand when the weather permits. Bananas and Plantains are used for shade in the more open grassland and groups of tropical fruit trees are dotted around the hotel. Jack-fruit, Sour Sop, Star Apple, Ackee and Sweet Lime are a few of the fruits that guests will come across on their paths.
It is recommended that proper hiking shoes are used as some areas have steep steps and some shale-stone. Water will be provided for each person.
Strawberry Hill Hike Trail Map >>
