When we arrived at Mayfield Falls, Robert parked in the upper lot and walked down the hill with us.


We paid our entrance fee and bought a round of beer for Robert and ourselves and then we were introduced to our guide Dennis. He showed us to the lockers and change facilities. I had water shoes, but Sunshine needed to rent a pair. I believe they were $6 to rent. I only had a $10 bill and shop keeper didn't have change. "I'll have change when you come back," she says. Hmmm, I wonder how many people actually collect on that.

It was low season and as we were the only ones there, we were getting a private tour. Once we were ready we met the last member of our little party. Andy we would be our photographer. Knowing they did the photos along the walk was part of why I choose Mayfield Falls. We got home from Negril last year with exactly one picture of the two of us, which was a selfie of us bobbing in the sea. I figured even on an off day we were likely to do better than that here.

It is a bit of walk from the start of the trail to the actual river, but it is not very taxing. It gives you a chance to look across the valley.


Dennis pointed out various interesting plants along the way. Coming from a place that becomes a frozen wasteland each winter, I am fascinated by things that grow in places where they thrive all year round. At one point, he pulled out a cocoa bean pod and gave us each a couple of the nibs. The white flesh around the nib was sweet and almost gelatinous. The nib was bitter: very, very bitter. It was so cool to be able to try it.

We reached where we would enter the river and headed down the hill.


The river is spring fed and cool but not at all cold. You can feel the mineral content, it is almost like softened water. The river walk takes you up a series of small waterfalls. Each has its own character. There are opportunities for massage.