Hiking to Falling Edge Waterfalls

Kingston City, the capital of Jamaica, known for its buzzing nightlife and fast paced city life. But did you know it has its fair share of natural water bodies to discover and enjoy? Located in the hills above Manor Park, approximately 30 minutes or so in the quaint district of Bowden Hill in Stony Hill is one of Kingston’s best known secrets; Falling Edge Waterfalls. 

Falling Edge Waterfalls or Bowden Falls is located off the beaten path in Stony Hill. The small and tranquil Falls is approximately 40ft high and cascades into a natural pool. There’s a 15 – 20 min hike involved to get to the falls, but totally worth the escape it provides from the busy city below.

How to get there

From Manor Park, head to Stony Hill Square and turn right at the Tastee.

Continue along until you see a turn off to go to Airy Castle.

Keep going and eventually you will pass Boone Hall Oasis and Struan Castle.

From there, you will see signs along the way guiding you, and you’ll be in for a bumpy ride to put it mildly, until you reach Bowden Hill Primary & Infant School and this is where you’ll park. 

And if in doubt, Google Maps works very well up to this point in the journey. 

What to expect

Now the fun really begins, after parking you will notice a fenced off area to your left, your destination lies beyond that fence. If you go on a Sunday like we did, you’re likely to see some locals playing football on the field in front of the school. Quick side note, there’s a path to the right that will take you to a lovely view of the Hermitage Dam. After paying the local “caretaker” an admission fee (at the time of our visit it was JMD$500), our hike through mother nature began. 

The hike isn’t difficult and is very manageable and takes roughly 20 mins. give or take, based on the pace you go at. Along the way we noticed signs and arrows marked into the trees, so no need to worry about getting lost. Just ensure you stick to the path. 

The Falls 

As your destination gets closer and closer you begin to hear the distinct sounds of gushing water, and the laughter of people can also be heard over the roaring cascading water. As the magnificent 40ft falls came into clear view, we saw a powerful continuous flow of clear gushing water splashing into the natural pool below. Both sides of the falls were filled with green shrubbery and plants growing on the side of the hill. We heard shrieks and screams as the icy cold waters were splashed about by friends. Sandbags and stones lined the border of the naturally formed pool and the stream that flowed downhill (to the reservoir, I think) allowing people to sit and get their feet wet while thinking about the plunge into icy cold waters. The pool didn’t seem too deep at the foot of the falls but based on the water marks on the walls, it runs pretty deep during the rainy season. 

After your dip or swim the most important item in your bag will be insect repellant, as the mosquitoes will make a meal of you!! 

What to bring 

Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes for the hike to the falls 

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes as there are no proper facilities at the falls

Insect or mosquito repellant is a must! 

Remember to take whatever garbage you may have with you and not add to the pollution. 

Falling Edge Waterfalls or Bowden Falls offers a relaxing (once you get past the 15-20 min hike involved) escape from the busy city life below. We definitely recommend checking out this hidden gem in Kingston. Be sure to pack your insect repellant, because those mosquitos are not to be played with lol. 

Till next time, 

Walk good.