PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

Starting Point: Lombo do Mouro
Ending Point: Encumeada
Duration: 6h30m
Distance: 14 km

The trail begins near E.R. 110, on the climb from Encumeada to Paul da Serra (Lombo do Mouro), and ends at Encumeada, covering 14 km in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, at an altitude ranging between 1,620 m and 1,000 m. Hikers are advised to carry a flashlight and wear non-slip footwear, as the route passes through several tunnels and the terrain can be slippery.

This route follows the Levadas da Serra and do Norte, crossing an excellent area of natural vegetation, including high-altitude heath (Urzal de Altitude) and Laurisilva Forest, which is part of the Natura 2000 network.

Along the trail, you will enjoy magnificent views of the São Vicente valley and see some of the island's architectural and heritage elements, such as: the 'caminho do concelho' - a section of public path used by locals to travel between the north and south sides of the island - paved with stones; the levadas built to transport water; and the tunnels carved into the rock to channel water from the north to the south side of the island.