PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is on the IFCN classified-trail table updated on 2 October 2026 and read here on 12 October 2026. The official full distance on that table is 15 km, naming Lombo do Mouro, Caramujo, Folhadal, and Encumeada. On the 2 October 2026 table, its status is open on the section linking Encumeada, Folhadal, Caramujo, and Bica da Cana. Route Summary: 15 km · 5 h 00 min – 6 h 00 min · +720 m / -720 m (1,007 m – 1,515 m) · Hard · Circular loop returns to car. Combining two historic northern water channels (Levada da Serra and Levada do Norte) with steep stone mountain steps climbs, PR 17 is one of the longest and most adventurous classified trails on Madeira, traversing the wild headwall of the São Vicente valley between the Encumeada pass (ER 104 / ER 228) and the Bica da Cana / Lombo do Mouro edge of Paul da Serra (ER 110).

Trailhead access and transfer logistics: Encumeada vs. Bica da Cana

Because the open section of PR 17 runs between Encumeada (at roughly 1,007 m) and Bica da Cana (at roughly 1,560 m on the ER 110 plateau road), walkers face a significant elevation difference and two separate road endpoints:

• Walking downhill (Bica da Cana to Encumeada): Starting at Bica da Cana on the ER 110 reduces the total uphill climb, descending past Caramujo and through the long tunnels and waterfalls of the Folhadal levada down to Encumeada.
• Walking from Encumeada: Starting at the Encumeada car park climbs onto the Levada do Norte / Folhadal level and then ascends the steep stone staircase to Caramujo and Bica da Cana. Hikers with a car parked at Encumeada either turn back along the open section for an out-and-back day or arrange a taxi transfer between Encumeada and Bica da Cana along the ER 228 / ER 110 road.
• Shared car park at Encumeada: Encumeada is also the starting car park for the open western section of PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada (open between Encumeada and Boca das Torrinhas).

Tunnels, waterfalls, and mountain terrain

PR 17 demands full levada and high-mountain preparation:

• Long tunnels on the Folhadal section: The Levada do Norte / Folhadal corridor cuts through several long, dark, wet tunnels where water flows beside the narrow walkway and cascades over tunnel portals. Carry a bright headlamp and a spare light; see What to carry on a levada.
• Steep climbs and exposed ledges: Connecting the lower levada level to Caramujo and Bica da Cana involves long flights of pitched basalt steps through dense Laurissilva forest and high heathland exposed to plateau fog and wind. Wear sturdy waterproof boots and pack warm layers and full water rations.

Before you go

Only the western half between Bica da Cana, Caramujo, Folhadal, and Encumeada is open; plan your car park or transfer at Encumeada or Bica da Cana and never enter the closed eastern Pináculo cliff ledges toward Lombo do Mouro. The IFCN fee FAQ lists €4.50 per person for one classified route other than PR 1. Residents of the region, children aged 12 or under, and covered disability cases do not pay the fee and still need a reservation; see PR trail fees and reservation rules on Madeira. This site does not publish a live forecast. Source: Percursos pedestres classificados, table updated 2 October 2026, read here on 12 October 2026. The fee figures are from the IFCN fee FAQ.