{"id":3654,"date":"2026-10-01T12:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T11:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/levada-do-pinaculo-e-folhadal-pr17-a-forest-hike-above-ribeira-brava\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T12:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T11:00:57","slug":"levada-do-pinaculo-e-folhadal-pr17-a-forest-hike-above-ribeira-brava","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/pt\/levada-do-pinaculo-e-folhadal-pr17-a-forest-hike-above-ribeira-brava\/","title":{"rendered":"Levada do Pin\u00e1culo e Folhadal (PR17): A Forest Hike Above Ribeira Brava"},"content":{"rendered":"

Levada do Pin\u00e1culo e Folhadal PR17 is one of Madeira\u2019s best long, quiet forest walks for experienced hikers who want Laurissilva scenery and mountain-scale views away from the busiest Raba\u00e7al routes.<\/strong> It combines old levadas, stone-paved paths, damp tunnels, waterfalls and a high viewpoint over the Ribeira Brava valley. In this updated guide: learn the current route access situation, which direction makes most sense, how to organise transport, what to carry for the tunnels and why weather here can feel very different from Funchal.<\/p>\n

What makes Levada do Pin\u00e1culo e Folhadal PR17 special?<\/h2>\n

PR17, officially named Caminho do Pin\u00e1culo e Folhadal, crosses the high interior above Ribeira Brava, between the Encumeada area and the roads of Paul da Serra. It is not a gentle sightseeing levada: this is a demanding mountain day with long exposed-to-the-elements sections, uneven stonework and several changes between levada path and traditional paved trail.<\/p>\n

The reward is variety. The route follows the Levada da Serra and Levada do Norte, passes through lush Laurissilva woodland and reaches the Pin\u00e1culo area, where clear conditions can reveal a broad view over the Ribeira Brava valley towards Madeira\u2019s central peaks. Later, the character changes again: tunnels, dripping rock faces and small waterfalls make the Folhadal section feel enclosed, green and distinctly wild.<\/p>\n

It is a particularly good choice if you have already walked the headline routes around Raba\u00e7al and want a less crowded alternative. Do not mistake \u201cquieter\u201d for \u201ceasier\u201d, however. The official classification is difficult, and the terrain deserves a full-day mindset. For more context on the island\u2019s protected forest, see our guide to Madeira\u2019s biggest and oldest trees<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Current PR17 access and the best direction to walk<\/h2>\n

The full official PR17 is listed as 15 km from Lombo do Mouro to Encumeada. At the time of checking, the official trail status states that the passable section runs between Encumeada, Folhadal, Caramujo and Bica da Cana. This is important: do not arrive expecting every part of the historical 15 km route to be available or assume that a route description published years ago reflects the usable path today.<\/p>\n

For most independent hikers, starting from the Encumeada side and walking towards Folhadal, Caramujo and Bica da Cana is the most logical current arrangement. It brings you first into the damp levada-and-tunnel landscape, then towards the higher, more open sections. It also means that, if cloud or rain worsens, you have made the cautious choice of assessing conditions before committing to the more remote part of the day.<\/p>\n

This is not a circular route. You need a pre-arranged lift, two cars, a taxi plan or a guided transfer for the far end. If you cannot arrange a pick-up, turn around with plenty of time and energy in reserve rather than relying on an unplanned roadside solution. Mountain-road driving in this part of Madeira is slow and can be stressful in low cloud; read our practical guide to driving Madeira\u2019s mountain roads<\/a> before choosing to self-drive.<\/p>\n

What to expect on the trail<\/h2>\n

PR17 is best understood as a mixed mountain walk rather than a continuously level levada stroll. There are long, narrow paths beside water channels, but also stone-paved sections, stairs, muddy ground and undulations that become tiring over a long day. In wet weather, moss, loose leaves and polished stone can be slippery.<\/p>\n

The tunnels are a memorable part of the route, but they require proper preparation. Some are dark enough that a phone torch is not a sensible primary light source: take a reliable head torch, ideally with spare power. Keep your footing, avoid rushing and be prepared for water dripping from the ceiling or running across the path. A waterproof outer layer is useful even on a day that begins dry.<\/p>\n

There are also occasional drops beside the levada. The path is not suitable for anyone uncomfortable with narrow mountain terrain, and it is not a good first Madeira hike. Walkers should stay on the signed route, never climb around barriers and turn back if a closure, landslip or unsafe conditions make progress doubtful.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Official name<\/strong><\/td>\nPR17 Caminho do Pin\u00e1culo e Folhadal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official full distance<\/strong><\/td>\n15 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official estimated duration<\/strong><\/td>\n6 hours 30 minutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dificuldade<\/strong><\/td>\nDifficult<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official start \/ finish<\/strong><\/td>\nLombo do Mouro \/ Encumeada<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intervalo de altitude<\/strong><\/td>\n970 m to 1,490 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Current passable section<\/strong><\/td>\nEncumeada \u2013 Folhadal \u2013 Caramujo \u2013 Bica da Cana<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2026 access fee<\/strong><\/td>\n\u20ac4.50 for visitors aged over 12; under-13s are exempt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Booking \/ payment<\/strong><\/td>\nRequired through the official SIMplifica system before hiking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Getting there and planning transport realistically<\/h2>\n

Encumeada is the easier end to reach from the south or north of the island, while Bica da Cana and Caramujo sit on the high roads towards Paul da Serra. Public transport may serve the wider Encumeada area, but it is not a dependable solution for completing this point-to-point hike: services are limited, timings do not necessarily match a six-hour mountain walk and the higher road access is particularly awkward without private arrangements.<\/p>\n

A rental car is useful only if you have a second vehicle or are happy to use a pre-booked taxi at one end. Do not leave this arrangement until you finish walking, as mobile signal can be inconsistent in the forest and drivers may need advance notice for a remote collection point. Guided hikes are another practical option for solo visitors who would rather avoid shuttle logistics.<\/p>\n

Before setting off, check the live PR17 entry on the IFCN official trail-status page<\/a>, not merely a weather app or an old GPX track. Madeira\u2019s classified trails can close or be restricted because of weather, maintenance or ground conditions.<\/p>\n

Weather at altitude: why conditions can change quickly<\/h2>\n

PR17 runs high above the coast, with the official route reaching 1,490 metres. That altitude matters. A warm, sunny morning in Funchal or Ribeira Brava can coincide with fog, wind and persistent drizzle around Encumeada and Bica da Cana. Cloud can remove the valley views entirely, while damp conditions make the tunnels and shaded paths cooler than expected.<\/p>\n

Choose a stable forecast, start early and carry layers rather than relying on a single heavy jacket. In winter, allow extra daylight margin; in summer, do not underestimate wind chill in cloud. If you are planning several high-altitude walks, our Pico do Areeiro weather and walking guide<\/a> explains the same essential principle: Madeira\u2019s mountain forecast is often more relevant than the coastal one.<\/p>\n

Insider tips for PR17<\/h2>\n