Caminho dos Burros: Vertente Norte

The northern branch of Caminho dos Burros descends from Pico's central plateau to the coast through Mistério da Prainha. Its beginning beside Caminho das Lagoas lies in a high, wet and open landscape. After an initial lane, the route approaches Cabeços do Mistério and enters a narrower path where vegetation becomes denser. Broad patches of sphagnum and pockets of endemic flora, including Azorean spurge, contrast strongly with the lower agricultural tracks.

The descent alternates shortcuts, road and gravel track. After meeting the road again, the itinerary joins a dirt route that leads to a marked choice between two alternatives. One continues toward São Miguel Arcanjo for roughly three kilometres on a rural track; the other heads to Baía de Canas, passing through vegetation of Australian cheesewood, acacia and Azorean laurel before entering Prainha Forest Park.

Walkers choosing Baía de Canas continue on dirt lanes until the coast. The experience therefore changes from plateau bog and upland vegetation to woodland and finally the shoreline. This is a medium-grade linear crossing shaped by sustained loss of height and by the memory of an old connection between communities, rather than by one isolated monument or viewpoint.

Reach Caminho das Lagoas from the Transversal Road and continue to the marked start on the plateau. Follow the lane for about 500 metres, then turn right onto the shortcut beside Cabeços do Mistério. After roughly one kilometre, enter the narrower path descending through dense vegetation. At the road, turn right and shortly afterwards left onto the gravel track. At the next split, choose only one marked alternative: the dirt route to São Miguel Arcanjo or the Baía de Canas branch. For Baía de Canas, continue about 1.7 kilometres, turn left into the wooded path, cross Prainha Forest Park and follow the markings to the finish. Arrange transport from the chosen endpoint.