Characterized by bauxite-rich deep red earth and rolling cattle pastures, St. Elizabeth is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful parishes. It is not swamped with tourist attractions, but there are a few places worth visiting by way of a driving tour from Treasure Beach.

From Black River, a signposted road threads north, affording lovely views across the plains toward the Santa Cruz Mountains. After about 12 miles (20 km), the quaint little village of Middle Quarters  announces itself through a crowd of women selling bags of the spicy and delicious pepper shrimp that the area is known for. Just past here, the signposted road to the left leads towards YS, a huge cattle farm that is also home to the lovely YS Falls , surrounded by lush pastures and jungle-covered hills. Reached via a short tractor-trailer ride through the fields, the falls – seven cascades of varying sizes tumbling out of the greenery – are an absolute delight. Several of these end in deep pools which are great for swimming, although some are too rocky. There is a spring-water swimming pool near the snack shop, which is ideal for kids. When water levels allow, tubing along the river is a lot of fun, and there are also three zipwires that allow visitors to whoosh through the tree canopy and over the water.

Beyond YS, the road gets even narrower. Once through the tiny community of Maggotty, the route turns onto Highway B6 for the Appleton Rum Estate , which is surrounded by endless fields of sugarcane. Appleton is the oldest producer of rum in Jamaica; the estate dates back to 1655 although distilling began only in 1749. Its rums are considered by many to be the island’s best. The tour inside the factory complex takes guests through the whole production process, from the selection of the sugarcane to the bottling of the rum, and ends with a chance to sample all 17 of their brands, so it is worth noting that the estate offers transportation for its visitors from their hotels.

The scenic route back follows the B6 Highway south of Maggotty, and turns right at Lacovia along Bamboo Avenue , where thick overhanging strands of bamboo create a tunnel-like effect. Just a short distance from here, the route ends at Middle Quarters.