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Jul 29 2010
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 Guides 94
 Routes 842
 Photos 22,068
 Triplogs 1,994

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Big Tree Trail (Arboles Grandes)Puerto Rico, PR
Puerto Rico, PR
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2010
chumleyTriplogs 1,994
Hiking0.70 Miles 165 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   0.47 mph
165 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After a nice climb to El Yunque Peak I decided it was time for a swim, and headed toward La Mina Falls. The trail was longer than I had anticipated, which is why I didn't bring my GPS and track it, something I later wished I had done.

I also wore flip flops as I was happy to get out of my hiking shoes after my 9 mile hike earlier. Unfortunately, this was a terrible decision, as the terrain was much steeper and wetter than I was anticipating. Ultimately, I ended up at the falls and arrived when nobody else was there, which was nice. Hiked up above the falls and took a short swim in the pool above before returning to the bottom to swim below the falls with a group of 8-10 people who had recently arrived.

I had to high-tail it out of there to make sure I was out of the forest before the gate closed at 6pm. A great end to a good day in the rainforest. I wish I had started the whole thing a bit earlier so I didn't feel rushed to leave. In retrospect, also would have really liked to hike up the La Mina trail along the river, but was already tired, didn't want to deal with an additional 500 feet of vertical, and time didn't allow anyway.

I'd say "next time" but who knows when I'll be back here again, so there's just a touch of regret. :cry:

Hiking time includes swimming and return trip.

In addition to the photoset, there's a couple of videos you might want to check out:

Above the falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otvOrB9WxXI
Pool above falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F92mNhJdJ5Q
Below falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLxOy2ATN8
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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