Ribeira do Faial da Terra

PR11SMI is temporarily closed. While that condition remains in force, its 6 kilometres between the Povoação–Água Retorta road and Faial da Terra must not be used as a walking option. The line nevertheless captures an evocative part of São Miguel’s damp south-eastern slope, shaped by Ribeira do Faial da Terra and by old paths that once connected the interior with the village.

The route descends through dense woodland, where cedar, Azorean cheesewood and streamside vegetation create a shaded setting. A former watermill and several wooden bridges show how people crossed and used the valley. Signed branches lead towards Salto do Cagarrão and Salto do Prego, two waterfalls enclosed by vegetation. A junction with the Sanguinho trail also links this corridor with the restored hillside settlement.

Near Faial da Terra, the valley opens into orchards and cultivated ground before entering the inhabited area. The crossing is linear, medium in difficulty and normally estimated at about two hours when available. Any future visit requires an explicit reopening check and transport between the two endpoints; the continued existence of its landscape features does not override the current closure.

Do not enter the trail while it is closed. Its line connects the road between Povoação and Água Retorta with Faial da Terra, descending beside the stream through woodland and across a series of wooden bridges. It passes the former mill, signed branches towards Salto do Cagarrão and the PRC09SMI junction before approaching Salto do Prego. The final section crosses orchards and finishes in Faial da Terra. If it reopens, first confirm the waymarks and arrange collection at the opposite endpoint. The full 6-kilometre route remains closed; choose another open trail and reconsider this itinerary only after reopening has been expressly confirmed.