Faial da Terra and Água Retorta Loop

This loop is rated as difficult. The terrain is varied and demanding, featuring old trails with stone walls and cobblestones, fast and rocky sections, steep switchbacks, and exposed roots. Some parts, especially after rain, can be very slippery. While there are some flowy sections, be prepared for technical challenges.

You'll encounter a diverse range of terrain. Expect old trails with remnants of stone walls and cobblestones, fast and rocky sections, and areas with exposed roots and wooden steps. There are also flowy sections, steep switchbacks, and some trails even feature drops and jumps. The ground can be particularly slippery after rain.

While specific parking areas for this exact loop aren't detailed, Faial da Terra village is the primary access point for the surrounding trail network. Look for designated parking within or on the outskirts of the village, which serves as a common starting point for mountain biking routes in the area.

The Faial da Terra and Água Retorta area is part of the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Faial da Terra. Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking on public trails within this protected area. However, always respect local regulations and signage regarding trail use and conservation.

The route offers stunning Azorean landscapes. You'll ride through dense forests of Japanese Cedar and Australian Cheesewood, follow streams, and pass by old watermill ruins. Highlights include impressive waterfalls like Salto do Cagarrão and Salto do Prego. You can also enjoy great views from mountain tops, including the Sunset Viewpoint, and potentially see Santa Maria island on clear days from higher elevations.

The Azores have a mild climate year-round, but spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions with less rain and comfortable temperatures. Summer can be warm, and winter brings more frequent rain, which can make trails very slippery and challenging.

While many trails in the Azores allow dogs, it's crucial to keep them on a leash at all times, especially within protected areas like the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Faial da Terra. The challenging and technical nature of some sections, with steep drops and rocky terrain, might not be suitable for all dogs.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other official trails. You'll traverse parts of the PRC40SMI Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra, PR18SMI Vigia da Baleia, PR11SMI Ribeira do Faial da Terra, and PRC09SMI Sanguinho, offering a comprehensive experience of the local trail network.

This area stands out for its rich network of diverse trails, many of which are old routes historically connecting villages and featuring elements like stone walls. It's a serious mountain biking destination, having hosted events like the Faial da Terra Enduro Fest, and the local community actively maintains and develops new trails. The combination of challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls and dense forests, offers a memorable experience.

Public transport options to Faial da Terra can be limited, especially for reaching specific trailheads with mountain bikes. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for São Miguel island, but a rental car or taxi service might offer more flexibility for accessing the starting points of mountain bike routes in this more remote area.

Given the Azorean climate, rain is common. After rainfall, many sections of the trails, particularly those with exposed roots, cobblestones, or loose rock, can become extremely slippery. Trails like the PR11 Ribeira do Faial da Terra are specifically noted for being very slick. Exercise extra caution, and consider postponing your ride if heavy rain has recently occurred.