The remarkable hike to and from
Charco El Pilón in Puerto Rico’s Maricao State Forest is a challenging rocky,
muddy 2 ½-mile scramble along -- and often through -- the "El Chorote” branch
that arrives at the El Pilón stream. The forest is lush and shady, and the terrain
is hilly and challenging. The payoff is a spectacular waterfall and swimming
hole.
You’ll find the trailhead at the end of Route 362, high in
the mountains in San Germán, Cabo Rojo, on the southwestern corner of the island. You can park in front of road barriers or alongside the road. The well-maintained trail immediately, just to the left of a
little house, takes you down and then up a steep hill, and it’s game on!
Charco El Pilón is a 30-foot-high
waterfall with a deep, clear pool beneath, perfect for swimming in (we kept our
shoes on).
Here are a few tips to enhance your
experience:
·
Start early to
avoid the crowds and get a good parking spot. We encountered a guided group of
at least 50 people on our way back.
·
Bring lots of
water.
·
Wear a swimsuit!
· Wear shoes with
a good grip that you can get wet! I wore Hoka trail running shoes that
drained easily and could be washed afterward. Bob wore hiking boots, which were
more of a challenge to get clean.
INFO
Puerto Rico Day Trips
All Trails Description
All Trails – our hike
