C-Pond Waterfall

A Twin Waterfall Hidden in the Hills of Gordon Town

Less than an hour from Kingston, past the popular Penfield Falls, a steeper trail leads through the Sugar Loaf district of Gordon Town to C-Pond, a twin waterfall with an icy-cold pool. There are no crowds and no fees: just a short, challenging hike and a big reward at the end.

📍 Key Details

• Location: Sugar Loaf district, Gordon Town, St. Andrew (trail starts at Penfield square)
• Type: Natural twin waterfall and river pool, reached by a short hike
• Cost: Free (bring cash to tip any local guide)
• Hours: No set hours. Go in daylight
• Contact: For guided hikes, look up Sugar Loaf Hikes on Instagram
• Best for: Adventurous hikers, waterfall chasers, small groups

🌿 What You Can Do

🥾 Hike the Sugar Loaf Trail

From the Penfield square, take the right-hand trail (the left one goes to Penfield Falls). It's about 30 minutes: mostly uphill past village homes to an old stone wall with a pipe, then a steep descent with two wooden ladders that residents have left to help hikers.

💦 Swim at the Twin Falls

C-Pond's two cascades drop into a pool that gets deep near the falls. The water is very cold, so it's a proper mountain refresher.

🌿 Take a Guided Herbal Hike

Sugar Loaf Hikes offers guided visits that include an introduction to Jamaican medicinal herbs, plus riverside cooking and dining.

🏞️ Double Up With Penfield Falls

Penfield Falls starts from the same square, so you can visit both in one day.

💡 Tips

• Wear grippy shoes. The trail is narrow in parts with loose rock.
• Take the ladders slowly, and keep your hands free with a backpack.
• Ask residents for directions if you're unsure. They're used to pointing hikers the right way.
• Pack the essentials: water, snacks, a towel and a dry bag. Facilities are limited to a makeshift changing area.
• Don't go alone, and take your trash with you.

⚠️ Safety First

• Avoid it during or after heavy rain. Loose rock and rising water make the trail and pool dangerous. Check ODPEM flash flood alerts first.
• The pool is deep near the falls, so non-swimmers should stay in the shallows.
• The hike isn't suitable for small children or anyone with limited mobility.

🚗 Getting There

• By car: from Papine, take the Gordon Town Road up to Gordon Town, then continue to Penfield. Park by the small Penfield square.
• No car? Get a taxi from Papine toward Gordon Town and Penfield. Ask locally about route taxis.
• Last stretch: about 30 minutes on foot from Penfield square.

🗺️ Make a Day of It: Nearby Attractions

• Penfield Falls: the popular sister waterfall from the same trailhead
• Pretty Close Restaurant: riverside dining with waterfalls and pools
• Alberga Bridge & St. Joseph the Grove Church: historic Gordon Town landmarks
• Suzie Spring: a reggae-themed roadside spring in Maryland, St. Andrew

✨ Why Visit C-Pond?

C-Pond is the kind of place you hear about from a friend: a short but adventurous hike, a twin waterfall and a cold, clear pool, all within an hour of Kingston.