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How this was derived · 2 steps
- Levada do Risco 4.4 Directions
- Levada das 25 Fontes 4.5 Directions
- 25 Fountains Waterfall via Vereda da Palha Carga 4.4 Directions
Community route (mapped on AllTrails) — not part of Madeira's official PR (Percurso Recomendado) trail network managed by IFCN, the regional government's forests and nature-conservation authority. It therefore has no official open/closed status and no maintenance or signage guarantee; check access and conditions locally before going.
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Distance | 4.2 km (out and back) |
| Estimated time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Route type | Out and back |
| Area | Madeira Natural Park (Rabaçal) |
| Community rating | 4.4★ from 129 hiker reviews on AllTrails |
This walk to the Cascata das 25 Fontes (25 Fountains Waterfall) along the Vereda da Palha Carga offers a less crowded alternative to the traditional levada route — ideal for those looking for a quieter experience in the middle of Madeira's Laurissilva forest.
The trail starts next to the ER105 regional road, near the Rabaçal area, and descends along an old path used for transporting firewood — hence the name "Palha Carga" (straw load). The path winds through dense vegetation on a relatively steep descent that requires some care, especially in wet conditions.
- No official status — this is an unofficial community-mapped route, not an IFCN-managed trail. There is no official open/closed status, no trail signage, and no maintenance guarantee.
- Access fee for the Rabaçal area — the official trails in this zone (PR 6, PR 6.1, PR 6.2, etc.) require payment via the SIMplifica portal (€4.50 for visitors > 12 years; free for children ≤ 12). While this route has a different starting point on ER105, be aware that the destination (25 Fontes lagoon) is within the managed area.
- Steep and potentially slippery — the descent demands good footwear and caution, especially after rain.
If you'd prefer a maintained, officially signposted route to the same waterfall, the classic option is PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes (4.3 km one way, Moderate, 3 hours; 4.5★ from 6,244 AllTrails reviews). It follows the levada from the Rabaçal car park and is the most popular route. There's also PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco, which can be combined with PR 6 for a longer loop.
Directions to the Palha Carga trailhead ↗
Want me to check the mountain forecast and IPMA weather warnings for the day you're planning to go, or show you how to get to the Rabaçal area by bus?





