Bosque Estatal De Sosúa Overview

Just 40min. east of San Germán, the 3341-acre Bosque Estatal de Sosúa provides an excellent taste of the Puerto Rican countryside and a refreshing return to nature for anyone overwhelmed by city life. Sitting on the border between the mountainous rainforests and the coastal dry forests, Sosúa is the only state forest with both dry and humid forests, which contributes to a diversity of over 150 tree species. Peaceful and impressive, this forest has several trails for hiking and one for mountain biking.

Sosúa is one of the island’s more isolated forest reserves, and unlike most of the forests along the Ruta Panorámica, it is not bisected by a thoroughfare. Instead, visitors must drive east on Rte. 102 through Sabana Grande, then follow Rte. 368 past Rte. 365 to Km 2.1, where they’ll turn left at the DRNA sign and climb up the small road for about 3.5 mi. to reach the forest center. The DRNA office is located at the end of the road in a valley next to a large and attractive picnic area. (☎487-4890. Open M-F 7am-3:30pm, Sa-Su 9am-5pm.) There are many covered picnic tables (although some don’t have benches), fire pits, bathrooms, and even a snack machine. Two hiking trails leave from the same trailhead, “Vereda al Río,” located between the DRNA office and the visitors’ center. Walk down and cross the little creek and climb back up the bank where the trail splits into two. Heading uphill into mountainous country means a short, steep climb; when the trail levels out, hikers are rewarded with great views of the forest. The other path follows the Río Loco and is overgrown with plants but is still navigable. Both trails are at least 2 mi. long. More compelling is the rigorous mountain bike trail, which narrows to a single track on its 3-mile loop. You must bring your own bike, but rangers can provide you with a hand-drawn map of the trail.

The DRNA has built a camping site with rustic cabins that contain a set of wooden bunks with thin mattresses. The cabin area has water spigots, a brick grill but no electricity, and pit toilets. Make sure to bring a flashlight and toilet paper. Tents are not allowed in the cabin area. Cabins by permit only; call the permit office in San Juan a few days in advance. (☎999-2200, ext. 5156 or 5158. Check in noon-3pm. Check-out noon.)