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Forest Trek

Forest Trek

Forest Trek

Overview of Forest Trek 2025

Mount Felix Forest Estate, St. Thomas

Difficulty Level	Description
1-4	Anybody can do it
5-6	Must be reasonably fit, participants must be able-bodied and cannot have physical disabilities
7-8	Must be fit
9-10	Must be very fit
Difficulty Level: 8 - Must be fit

Forest Trek Info

The sixteenth staging of Forest Trek, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025,, is a cross-country hike through the Mount Felix Forest Estate in St. Thomas.

This year, the Forestry Department offers three hiking distances: 8km, 12km, or 16km, all while experiencing the verdant forest and the nearby Plantain Garden River.

Transportation Options:

Participants choosing the transportation-included option will depart from the Forestry Department in St. Andrew.
All hikers must arrive at the Checkpoint by 5:30 AM for boarding.
For those selecting the transportation-excluded option, arrival is expected at the start line in Sunning Hill by 8:00 AM.

Packages & Pricing

Trek LITE: Arrange your own transport and meals or enjoy food court options. $5,000
Trek PLUS: Includes transportation and snacks. $8,000
Trek CRU: Designed for groups, including transportation and snacks. $7,500
Trek FAM: Family package with two options:
- Provide your own transport and food. Adult: $3,000 | Child: $2,000
- Includes transportation and light snacks. Adult: $4,000 | Child: $3,000

Individual Registration

FAM Registration

Group Registration

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Registration Instructions

Participation is open to all age groups, and a group can consist of children and adults.
Each participant must complete and submit an Individual Registration Form online and a Participant Waiver Form signed by hand and uploaded to the registration portal before payment is made. The Participant Waiver Form must be signed by a parent/guardian for children attending the hike. The printed form must be submitted on or before Trek day, November 16. Failure to submit a waiver form signed by hand will void your registration. A refund will not be granted.
Companies, Government Ministries and Agencies, fitness clubs and other groups may submit a team of no less than 5 persons.
A team captain should be named for each Group, through which and to whom all information relating to the hike will be sent.
The Team Captain must complete and submit the FOREST TREK II 2024 Group Registration Form after which a link will be sent to their email address for each team member to register. The captain will also make payment to register the Group.
Rates: Persons are required to pay a NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee of:
1. $9,000 if transportation is required from the car park in Kingston to the start line; $3,000 if transportation is required for children 10 years and younger from the car park in Kingston to the start line.
2. $8,000 per group member (11 years and older) if transportation is required from the car park in Kingston to the start line; $2,600 is required for children 10 years and younger, who is a part of a group and requires transportation from the car park in Kingston to the start line.
3. $6,000 if participants provide their transportation to the start line; $2,000 if transportation is not required for children 10 years and younger to the start line.

Payments may be made online, via bank transfer, and cheque, cash, Debit/Credit card at our offices. The Forestry Department accepts Manager’s/Company cheques ONLY, and it should be made payable to the Forestry Department.

Bank transfers should be made to:

Account Name	Forestry Department
Account #	331512877
Branch	NCB Constant Spring Road

Please email proof of payment to foresttrek@forestry.gov.jm, the new and only email address for all Forest Trek correspondences and include the first and last name of the persons for which payment was made as well as the purpose “Forest Trek”.

Payments can be made at our offices at 173 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8; Moneague, St. Ann and Catherine Hall, Montego Bay from Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and on Fridays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Please email proof of payment to foresttrek@forestry.gov.jm, the new and only email address for all Forest Trek correspondences and include the first and last name of the persons for which payment was made.

General Information about Forest Trek 2025: Mount Felix Forest Estate, St. Thomas

Embark on a serene journey through the verdant Mount Felix Forest Estate in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Starting from the charming Sunning Hill community, the trek begins with a steady 2km incline, followed by a more challenging 1km steep ascent. Along this initial stretch, you will encounter picturesque spots perfect for capturing memories. As you reach the lush forest canopy, the gradient eases, making the trek more manageable. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Jamaican Tody or even our National Bird, the Doctor Bird. The forest canopy provides a refreshing blanket of cool air, guiding you for another 5km before you loop back to the starting point. All along the trail, you will see or hear the serenely meandering Plantain Garden river, adding a touch of tranquility to your journey.

Family-Friendly Fun: Forest Trek 2025 is designed for the whole family. Participants aged 11 and up can tackle up to the full 16km trail, while those under 11 years can enjoy a special 1km trail. A parent or guardian must accompany all children.

Revised Registration Packages: Choose the hiking package of your choice – Trek LITE, Trek PLUS, Trek CRU, or Trek FAM. (See registration for details.)

Optional Turn-Back Points: Optional turn-back points are available along the trail to accommodate various fitness and endurance levels. You can choose to hike for 8km, 12km, or 16km, depending on your comfort and stamina.

Relax and Refresh: Take a break and cool off in designated swimming holes along the trail and at the finish line. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk.

Forest Funland: At the finish line, children can look forward to a variety of games and activities in the Forest Funland.

Join us for Forest Trek 2025 and create lasting memories with your loved ones amidst the natural beauty of the historic Blue and John Crow Mountains.

Purpose of the Hike

The main aim of the hike is to increase public awareness and encourage a greater appreciation for forests in Jamaica. The trek will take participants through the forests of the Mount Felix Forest Estate to see and experience its environment first-hand and also contribute to its resources by participating in a tree-planting exercise.

About the Mount Felix Forest Estate

The Mount Felix Forest Estate is one of the smallest forest estates spanning approximately 65 hectares. Nestled within the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this reserve is a sanctuary for local biodiversity. It is home to several endemic species, such as the vibrant Jamaican Tody, and native flora like the Blue Mahoe, Jamaica’s National Tree.

The reserve also holds historical significance, preserving the remnants of a once-thriving cocoa farm. Flourishing cocoa trees continue to support the local food chain, and you can still see the culverts and retaining walls that once bolstered production. In this forest, you will find there is much to see and remember.