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In an appropriately-named area known as Hillside, St. Thomas is a towering cataract named Reggae Falls. Tucked beyond dirt mountains of a work site, this surviving part of a former hydroelectric facility is nicknamed ‘dam head’. It was reportedly known as ‘dam falls’ by residents before the Reggae Boyz– Jamaica’s national football team– qualified for the World Cup in 1998. This 70ft-high dam was built in the 1920s to supply water to the surrounding community, and still possesses remnant structures of the former plant.

Reggae Falls

Reggae Falls has shared land with industrial plants over decades, resulting in an unleveled landscape of gravel and stones. As you step on the small stones of the river bed, the water depths will vary while you get accustomed to its refreshing chill.

The cool stream snakes from the powerful falls to cut through the shallow dirt banks, creating pools. If you look closely enough, the almost-clear water will reveal schools of tiny fish.


 

 

This wide waterfall is cradled by surrounding countryside sitting in the sunshine. As you get closer to Reggae Falls, the force of the water plummeting below sprays a mist. If you’re brave enough to inch behind the waterfall curtain, your senses will be covered by the rush of the river. The force is so great in fact, that against the rock wall it’ll seem like water droplets are defying gravity as they float upward, due to the breeze created by the force. Climbing the craggy paths to the side will grant different perspectives, and afford you opportunities to jump from varying heights (at your own risk) into the pool below if you’re daring enough.

Though Reggae Falls was included on my original Jamaica travel list, the crowd of people seen in many photos reduced it on my priority list of 13 waterfalls off the beaten path. Even when many groups were present, I was still able to enjoy the majesty of the refreshing Johnson River water.

It has a larger space when compared to community rivers like ‘Unruly’ River (St. Thomas) and Penfield Falls (Kingston/St. Andrew). This can make the area feel very crowded or very lonely, depending on the time. Weekends and holidays are more likely to have a lot of people at the location.

Best time to visit Reggae Falls is November to April for more variety in water level depths

By the way, quick reminder…

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Directions to Reggae Falls Location

Travel eastern from Kingston’s Harbour View roundabout towards St. Thomas, via the Southern Coastal Highway. You’ll pass communities like Bull Bay, Yallahs, Roselle and its landmark roadside waterfall.

  • Take the exit at the Morant Bay roundabout towards Seaforth.
  • Stay on the main road until you approach a fork with a bridge on the left
  • Take the right at that fork towards Hillside community.
  • Follow the snake-like road until you reach a small community church, where you’ll take a left.
  • A couple roadside signs along the way will lead towards Reggae Falls.
    Travel Tip: SUV recommended. Drive carefully, many of the roads are bumpy and uneven

Reggae Falls Cost

From this route, you’ll approach a building labelled Reggae Falls and Tours, with an iron barrier to collect an admission fee (J$500 adult/J$300 child as of May 2025).

This clears the dirt road path to acres of stones and gravel and a community construction plant. The mined landscape may have multiple dirt paths ahead before Reggae Falls is in view. Request directions at the gate and cross through  river bed waters to reach Reggae Falls. 

Hillside, St. Thomas Community Tourism

This river spot is a favourite among residents, who seem to regularly flock the area for weekend lymes and cookouts. Somewhat similar to the community of Treasure Beach, the growing popularity of Reggae Falls over the years has inspired residents of the otherwise quiet village to cash in.

For example? Some residents make an income offering tour guide services, vendors and bartenders. Tents and stalls are stocked with a range of drinks and snacks. Music bumps through the speakers of the bar and grill area overlooking the high waterfall edge.

How would you imagine spending your day at Reggae Falls?


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