Cerrillos State Forest, State forest in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Cerrillos State Forest covers wooded valleys and hills in the foothills of the Cordillera Central, with elevations ranging from 120 to 300 meters. The area includes marked trails for hiking, a lake for water activities, and designated spots for fishing and bird watching.
The forest was established as a protected area in 1996 and later hosted major sporting events that drew regional attention. This recognition helped establish its role in island conservation efforts.
This forest preserves the native Tabonuco woodlands that shape Puerto Rico's inland landscape. Walking through it, you experience the trees and vegetation that have covered these valleys for generations.
The area has multiple entry points and pathways that make it easy to choose hikes of different lengths. Early morning visits are best, as temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active.
Lake Cerrillos within the forest is created by an artificial dam and offers water sports to visitors. This lake also serves as a habitat for native fish species and water birds found nowhere else nearby.
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