Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
625.00 ft (190.50 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.25 mi (3.62 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Velo de Novia Waterfall Trail is a primary point of interest within the Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve. The trail follows a creek to the 65-foot tall waterfall as well as a couple of pools, and these are deep enough to accommodate a leap from the surrounding rocks or a drop from the nearby rope swing. The trail to the falls parallels a creek. Depending on the time of year, the flow is variable. Following wet periods, it may be a wet endevor crossing the creek on the hike in, and in very wet periods, the entire width of the creek near the falls may have water flowing over it. 

The parking lot to the trail fork is 0.75 miles. From here the fork signed Cascadas is another 0.2 miles, or heading left, the Cerro Escondido Lodge is another 1 mile. The falls lie about 100 feet higher in elevation than the trailhead. The trail to the lodge will gain over 600 feet in elevation from the parking area trailhead. Wildlife becomes visible as you head deeper into the forest. Otters, ocelots, pumas, howler and white-faced monkeys and wild pigs have been known to live in these forests.

At about 2 miles one-way, this trail is the main way for hikers to reach the Cerro Escondido Lodge. For day use hikers, it is possible to arrange to have a freshly cooked lunch waiting for you at the lodge. See the ASEPALECO website or call them at 506.2650.0201 for more information about arranging a meal or hiring a guide.

Day use hikers can continue on one of the other trails that branch off from the main trail or explore one of the numerous trails that converge at the lodge area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic waterfall cascades. Swimmable pools.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

285.00 ft (86.87 m)

Highest point

910.00 ft (277.37 m)

Features

Guided tours
Near lake or river
Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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