Río Abajo State Forest, State forest and National Natural Landmark in Utuado and Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
Río Abajo State Forest is a protected woodland covering about 3,590 acres of subtropical karst terrain in north-central Puerto Rico, characterized by limestone hills, caves, and sinkholes. The forest contains diverse tree species adapted to this distinctive geological landscape.
The forest was designated in 1943 by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration as one of five protected forests to preserve the island's remaining woodlands. This designation marked a turning point in island-wide conservation efforts.
The José Luis Vivaldi Lugo Aviary housed within the forest works to save endangered Puerto Rican parrots, which live and breed in their native habitat here. This conservation effort is visible to visitors as an active part of the forest's mission.
Visitors need a permit from the Department of Natural Resources to camp in the forest's designated area. Getting this authorization beforehand makes planning your visit straightforward and ensures access to camping facilities.
The forest displays the only visible location of a significant geological boundary from the Eocene-Oligocene period in Puerto Rico. This layer reveals how the island's landscape changed over millions of years.
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