Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Also known as: Pináculo Trail, Encumeada Loop
Jurassic Park scenery, jagged peaks, levada tunnels, cascading waterfalls, ridge walk
Planning for 2026? See the 2026 access rules guide.
Trail Overview
Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal (PR17) is a hard vereda/levada mix (loop) trail located in Madeira, Portugal. Starting from Boca da Encumeada and ending at Boca da Encumeada (loop), this 18km route typically takes 6-7 hours to complete.Jurassic Park scenery, jagged peaks, levada tunnels, cascading waterfalls, ridge walk. Long and demanding trail. Full loop may not be fully accessible. Tunnels, exposed ridges, and variable weather at altitude.
Quick Facts
- Distance
- 18 km
- Duration
- 6-7 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation Gain
- 700 m
Exposure & Heights
High exposure (4/5)
Exposed ridge walk sections; long tunnels; significant altitude changes. Not for vertigo sufferers.
Tunnels
- Has tunnels
- Yes
- Tunnel count
- 2
- Longest tunnel
- 500 m
- Headlamp
- Required
Route Details
- Starting Point
- Boca da Encumeada
- End Point
- Boca da Encumeada (loop)
- Trail Type
- Vereda/Levada mix (loop)
Parking & Access
- Parking Location
- Boca da Encumeada
- Parking Cost
- Free
- Best Season
- Spring to autumn (clear weather essential for ridge sections)
Essential Equipment
Hiking boots, headlamp (tunnels), warm layers, rain jacket, plenty of water and food
Safety Information
Long and demanding trail. Full loop may not be fully accessible. Tunnels, exposed ridges, and variable weather at altitude.
Weather Advisory
This is a high-altitude route. Temperature at Boca da Encumeada can be 10-15°C cooler than Funchal. Check the mountain forecast specifically — not the city forecast. Fog, wind, and rain can appear rapidly above 1,000m even in summer.
Best time for this trail: Spring to autumn (clear weather essential for ridge sections)
Permit Required
This route typically requires a paid permit. Always confirm the final requirements (price, timing, and who is exempt) in SIMplifica for your exact route and date.
Similar trails
Prefer a guided experience on Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal?
A certified guide handles SIMplifica bookings, provides transport from Funchal, and shares local knowledge about the trail. Recommended if you're uncomfortable with exposed sections or tunnels.
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running.
Get your free Madeira trail guide
A printable 1-page summary with key stats, equipment checklist, emergency numbers, and booking links. Delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Need help planning?
Questions about hiking PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal? We can help with booking, logistics, and trail advice.
Chat on WhatsApp