Take a refreshing dip in clear rain forest water. Swim under a waterfall. It sounds like a dream. But it is actually a very popular and fun thing to do during a trip to El Yunque National Forest. The waterfall is called La Mina Falls, and it can be accessed by either of two trails: La Mina trail or Big Tree trail. These are both beautiful trails, but different in many ways. This article will describe La Mina trail. The La Mina trail is probably the most popular trail for a few reasons
it is the shortest trail to get to the falls (0.7 miles)
it is accessible directly from the main Ranger Station – Palo Colorado
it is extremely beautiful, as it follows the La Mina River and the sights and sounds of the water are wonderful
La Mina TrailHowever, I will mention some of what I consider its drawbacks
it is the most popular trail!
it is not the easiest trail, in that it is pretty steep and has many steps up and down, so your knees need to be in good working order
it is a narrow trail, and you will have to step off the trail a number of times to let people pass you
There are two parking lots here, and a good amount of designated parking along the road. There are also clean bathrooms at the Palo Colorado visitors center. If you think you want to swim, change into you bathing suit here because there are no changing rooms down in the Falls area. La Mina trail is rated "Moderate to Difficult" due to it elevation changes – almost 500 feet in a little over a half mile. It should take about 30 minutes to go down, but longer on the way up, depending on how well you can walk up stairs. Luckily the trail has a number of rain and picnic shelters where you can sit and rest. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes, the trail is paved, but it can be slippery. La Mina trail follows the course of the La Mina river as it makes its way to the Falls. The river is full of large rocks, which makes for beautiful sights and sounds. The forest all around is also very lush due to the water, and the way the sun comes through the openings in the trees is just beautiful. There are lots of different trees, plants, flowers, birds , lizards and insect life all around. This trail is very "alive" and a pleasure for (most of ) your senses. Can you tell I really enjoy this trail? La Mina FallsAll this walking will lead you to the big pay-off — the La Mina Falls (Cascada La Mina). The water cascades over a cliff into a pool. There are two ways to enter the pool. The easiest way is to turn left just before the little bridge, so you’re facing directly into the falls. Make your way (carefully!) over the rocks, and just wade straight in. This way looks more difficult, but trust me, it the easier route. The second way to enter the water is to cross the little bridge, turn left, and then follow the steps down to the water. This way looks easier, but it’s not due to big rocks under the water and unexpected drops. 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. There are no benches here, so you need to find a step or choose a rock if you want to relax and enjoy the waterfall. The best pictures are from the bridge that connects Big Tree trail to...
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