Help Dunn River Falls

[disnee9]

We will NOT be walking up the falls.

I need info about the process of walking up the stairway that is located next to the falls because my husband has a problematic knee.

Does the bus let you off at the bottom and then you reboard at the top?
How steep and long is the climb on the stairway ?
Are there places to sit and rest as you make the climb??
Are the pools next to the walkway easily accessible??

Any incite is appreciated.

 

[jrabbit]

the parking lot is in the "middle" of the falls - between sea level and the top of the falls. I think that i remember seeing people sitting along the falls (but I was busy keeping myself upright while IN the falls). Pretty sure that its paved.

 

[Capt_BJ]

actually the parking lot is at the top of the climbable portion of the falls. You walk down the stairs/path to the beach then ascend for the typical 'cruise excursion one climb and done' visit.

I've been many times since the mid 80's

a few notes:

- you pay for a day's admission to the national park. technically climbing the falls is 'free'. - guides are available and work for tips
- the typical 'cruise climb' is one time and follows the 'path'
- cruise excursions will be large groups of 20 or more with everyone holding hands and following the path .. the group will have a couple of guides/escorts
- guides are not required
- large hand holding groups are not required
- you can climb up down and sideways ..... at your own risk of course
- you can climb as many times as you wish

I always do this on my own - altho only when visiting Ocho where it is 5 minutes from the pier ... a short taxi ride. IMO not worth a long ride from a different port altho it is one of the few things to do in JA ...

This shows the pool at the top where there are stairs for in/out ... note the handrail at the left. The falls continue up the mountain but the park 'ends' here; climbing beyond this point is a no no. Up here is where the park entrance, and lockers are.

this is at the beach/base of the falls. behind us is the typical conga line tour

we prefer to go up the middle . .

conga line left, us up the middle

we've stopped to enjoy one of the pools along the way .. conga line behind us. Some of these pools have a viewing area from the path/stairs and stairs down to the water ...

A non climber can get their feet wet in the pool at 'the top' and wait for those who do the climb .... there are concessions at the top and the dreaded 'market'

 

[disnee9]

Captain BJ

Thank you so much for your concise and excellent response to my question. It answered everything I wanted to know !!!

 

[Capt_BJ]

happy to have helped ....

My cutters visited Ocho for R&R for many years and Dunns was a thing we'd set up for the crew every time.

Crew would spend the entire day .... they allowed us to bring in our own food for a BBQ

Seeing some of them doing back flips off rocks gave me heart flutters but I CAN report no serious injuries in dozens of visits.

I lost a pair of RayBan aviators once tho ....