This trail starts at the Palo Colorado Information Center located at PR 191, km 12.2 and parking is available in two adjacent paved parking lots, as well as at designated areas along the road.
The La Mina trail is 0.7 miles long, descending from 2,132 feet to 1,640 feet. Hiking time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, one-way and this trail is rated as challenging in difficulty. There are several sections of winding concrete stairs that can make the return trip somewhat demanding. There are picnic shelters near the trailhead that have picnic tables, a barbeque and running water taps.
The La Mina trail is the most popular trail in El Yunque and the trail follows the course of the La Mina River downward through the tropical trees, shrubs and flowers to the La Mina waterfall (Cascada La Mina). Along the trail you will cross the river several times my means of small bridges.
The trail ends at Cascada La Mina waterfall (La Mina Falls) where you can choose to swim in the cool refreshing water or merely rest and enjoy the view. Here the trail connects to the Big Tree Trail and you can choose to return the way you came or continue on this trail for 0.8 miles exiting in approximately 30 to 40 minutes at the Big Tree Trail parking lot located on PR 191, km 10.4, about 1 mile down from the Palo Colorado Visitor Center.
Source: USDA Forest Services
