Governor of Jamaica when slavery was abolished in 1834. The origin of the name YS is obscure. Up at the falls you can relax on an emerald green lawn and just look, or you can climb to the top beside them. The dramatic three-tiered waterfall is most dramatic when the river is in spate and the brown water thunders and foams, misting you with spray as you climb. In dry weather the postcard pretty river sings a gentler song as it plunges and froths into green-blue pools.
Swimming is permitted and there are lifeguards on duty.
A sign posted at the base reports the condition of the river each day. Some of the flora at the falls, like the Cartwheel plant are extremely rare. The Appleton Estate has been producing sugar and rum since 1749. This billion dollar company began in 1825 as a popular Kingston rum shop. John Wray, owner of The Shakespeare Tavern at Parade in Kingston, made his fortune blending and selling rum.