Big Tree Trail in Río Grande

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comments 2

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  P.R. Tours

  :: 04 March 2018 14:02:19

  Some of the facts about this trail: Big Tree trail is about 0.8 miles long one way. It starts at about 1800 feet and descends to 1640 feet, making it only about 160 ft drop in elevation. This means that it is not that steep. It is a fairly easy trail, except for those steps, so it has a "Moderate" difficulty rating. The trail head is located at the large parking lot at KM 10.4 on Road 191. It will take about 45 minutes to get to La Falls from the trail head, walking at a good speed. If you are a slower walker, or want to take your time and read the informational placards, it will take longer. There are some rain shelters with benches along the trail, so you can rest or get out of the rain. The trail is paved with asphalt or concrete most of the way. If you are planning on going into the falls, wear your bathing suit while hiking. There is no changing area at the waterfall. When you start walking on this trail, it is natural to stop at every placard sign that you come to. Another approach would be to read half on the way down and half on the way up. This way, you have an excuse to rest while you read the signs on the way up! The placards discuss all sorts of things about rain forests in general, and this one in particular. The trees, birds, insects, lizards, and plants you are seeing along the way. Take your time to look around and listen to the forest, it is a magical place, that is full of beauty. It seems longer then the indicated mileage as you anticipate getting to the waterfall. You can hear the waterfall long before you actually can see it. La Mina FallsAll this walking will lead you to the big pay-off — the La Mina Falls (Cascada La Mina). The water rushes over a cliff into a pool that people swim/play in. There are two ways to enter the pool. You can take the steps just at the end of Big Tree trail that lead down into the water. This way looks like an easy entry, but it’s not. It has lots of rocks and really sudden drop-offs. But if you go across the little bridge, you can step off of the trail to your right, and you can scramble down the rocks so you are face on with the falls. Wade straight in this way and swim out to the falls. The pool is not large, and it is popular, so it can fill up with people, which does take away some of the wonder of it. But I still think it is pretty and fun. Be aware – there are lots of slippery and sharp rocks – so wear water shoes. There are sometimes crabs hiding in the rocks. I have never heard of anyone getting pinched, but it could happen. The water is very heavy as it falls – test its weight before you sit directly under it. And just so you know – the water is "refreshing" – which translates to COLD! Be aware of chaging water conditions, flash floods can develop after a rain. There are no benches here, so you need to find a step or choose a rock if you want to relax and look at the view. The best pictures are from the bridge that connects Big Tree Trail to La Mina Trail.

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  Moustafa Elgolany

  :: 22 August 2017 23:30:47

  Absolutely a must! It requires a 30 minute hike through a narrow but concrete sidewalk leading directly to the falls and further past it if you choose. My wife who doesn't have a hiking bone in her body was able to do it. But, make sure to take your asthma pump if you require it.