This hike to the southern shore of Lagoa do Fogo begins at Parque Escutista dos Lagos. The park serves as both the starting and ending point of the trail. PR39 SMI – Quatro Fábricas da LuzThis is the only authorized hiking trail that provides access to Lagoa do Fogo. The lake is designated as a nature reserve and is among the places of greatest natural and scenic value on the island. São Miguel.
Along the route, water stands out as a defining element of the landscape, for example through the levadas, water intakes, and other hydraulic engineering structures associated with Ribeira da Praia. This underscores the importance of this area for the public water supply and for the history of hydropower use on the island.
The route traverses diverse landscapes and land-use patterns. It begins in agroforestry areas where stands of espadana (Phormium tenax) can still be observed. This species, introduced to the Azores, has a historical connection to fiber production. The trail then leads through managed forests with Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and other exotic species, including invasive ones. In the higher elevations, natural vegetation forms predominate, characteristic of the Lagoa do Fogo area and regions of higher altitude and humidity. Here, endemic species such as Azorean heath (Erica azorica) and mountain bilberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum) are particularly prominent.
Due to the frequent wet and muddy areas, especially along the levada, wearing suitable footwear is recommended.
The route crosses the Ribeira da Praia valley. This area, nestled between steep slopes, is known for its important springs and water intakes. The system for utilizing these waters, developed since the 1980s, is one of the most important sources for the public water supply of the municipality of Ponta Delgada.
Upon reaching the shores of Lagoa do Fogo, caution and consideration for the local birdlife are advised, especially during the gull breeding season in April and May. The return journey follows the same route and offers sweeping views of the island's south coast. São Miguel. Vila Franca do Campo and its small island are particularly noteworthy.
Throughout the entire hike, and especially in the last section before Lagoa do Fogo, responsible behavior is required; that is, one should stick exclusively to the marked path, respect the fauna and flora, and take all waste to a suitable disposal point.
Length: 10,2 km
Duration: 4 h
Difficulty level: medium
Source: visitazores
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