Charco El Pilón

Certainly not the biggest waterfall or pool (charco) in Puerto Rico but Charco El Pilón has the purest water you’ll find on the island, at the end of a beautiful trail that cuts through pristine jungle. There is no development in the hills above. There are several ways to arrive at the trail head that will take you to the charco but the easiest is simply going to the end of the 362.  You’ll see a water treatment facility on your left just before the 362 comes to an end.  It’s possible to then follow the gravel road on the left but you’ll need 4x4, and it only shaves off about 5 minutes from the easy 40 minute hike to the falls.  Once parked follow the trail (pics below) as it criss crosses the crystal clear water of the Rio Caín.  You never get too far from the river, but there are a few points where the trail turns off, look for the spray paint markers along the route.  Some sort of water shoe is best but you can make it all the way without getting wet.  Other than the gravel road you walk down briefly off of the 362, the trails incline is very gradual.