Big Tree Trail - Hiking trail near Palmer, Puerto Rico, United States - Description

The Big Tree Trail is a 0.7 miles (1.4 km) self-guided interpretive trail, descending from 1,804 feet (550 meters) to 1,640 feet (500 meters). Hiking time is approximately 40 minutes, one-way. The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, and is steep in some places. It is asphalt paved throughout and several rain/picnic shelters are located along the way.

This trail is one of the most popular in the EYNF trail system. Along the trail the hiker will encounter a number of interpretive signs in both Spanish and English describing in detail the wonders of the Tabonuco forest, the largest and most abundant of the four forest types found in the EYNF.

A typical sign describes an impressive Ausubo (“Bullet wood”) tree located nearby, and believed to be over 300 years old, as well as information about the wildlife, rainfall and forest diversity that combine to make-up this magnificent ecosystem.

Along the trail, you will be serenaded by the pleasant buzzing whistle of our tiny black and yellow native warbler with the silly-sounding name; “Bananaquit”. After crossing one of the many clear mountain streams, you may encounter a lovely Puerto Rican Emerald Hummingbird (“Zumbadorcito” in Spanish) sipping nectar from a bright red Hibiscus flower, or even be inspected by a family of Mongoose hurriedly crossing your path.

The trail ends at Cascada La Mina (La Mina Falls), an exquisite waterfall that drops over 35 feet through a jumble of huge rocks into a lovely pool where hikers can choose to swim in the cool refreshing water or merely rest and enjoy the view. At this point the trail connects with the La Mina River Trail. Hikers who choose not to retrace their steps and return the way they came can continue on the this trail following the course of the La Mina river upward for 0.7 mile (1.2 km), exiting in approximately 30 to 45 minutes at the Palo Colorado Information Center located on PR 191, km 12.2 about 1 mile (1.8 km) up the road from the Big Tree Trail parking lot.

The trail originates at PR 191, km 10.4 in the EYNF El Yunque Recreational Area. Parking is available in the adjacent paved parking lot, and at designated areas along the road.