Cascata do Arado

Cascata do Arado is a waterfall on the Arado river in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park. The river comes off the mountain at about 900 metres above sea level and drops in a run of cascades over bare granite into a hollow below. Many waterfalls in the Gerês need a long hike. This one is about ten minutes on foot from where you park, which is why it works so well with young children.

It lies about 3 km from the mountain village of Ermida and 8 km from Vila do Gerês, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro. There is no ticket, no gate and no charge.

You leave the car by the stone bridge over the Arado. From there, stone steps climb beside the bridge to a small viewpoint (miradouro) built by the forest service, with railings, looking straight across at the falls. Gerês Rails, a local activity company, puts the walk at about 200 metres and ten minutes, with the staircase and a few rocky patches along the way.

Toddlers can manage it with a hand to hold, or ride in a carrier. A buggy is no use on the steps. For a small child it is a big, loud waterfall at the end of a short walk, which is often all they want from a day in the mountains.

The road to the waterfall is narrow but passable, and the last kilometre or so to the bridge is an unpaved track. Drive slowly and expect to pull in for oncoming cars. Parking near the bridge is free.

Terras de Bouro council advises against swimming at this waterfall and describes it as a place where serious accidents can happen. Gerês Rails adds that the currents can be strong and warns against jumping into the pools. The path down towards the water is steep, and the granite near the falls is slippery, especially after rain, so wear shoes with grip and keep hold of small hands. With young children this is a place to look at the water, not paddle in it.

Take all your rubbish home, as you are inside a protected national park.

Spring is the best time to see the waterfall with plenty of water. The council notes that in periods of drought the falls can run dry, so a visit in late summer after a dry spell may be disappointing. Autumn is milder and quieter, and in winter the road and the weather can make the trip harder.

For families with older children and walking legs, the area has marked trails. The PR14 Trilho do Sobreiral da Ermida is a 14 km route that starts at the Miradouro da Ermida, a viewpoint above the village at about 550 metres, and crosses the Arado bridge, which was built in 1936. On the way you pass three old stone corrals (Malhadoura, Portos and Cortes), where villagers once kept cattle they drove up to the high pastures for days or weeks at a time. The trail is named after a 200-hectare cork oak wood on a south-facing slope above the Arado.

A shorter 6 km alternative from the same start passes the Fraga do Justo viewpoint, the Rajada waterfall and the Vela viewpoint. The council warns that shepherds’ dogs may be on the trail, and asks walkers to keep their distance from flocks and loose dogs. Gerês Rails also describes a walk of about 5 km from the Cascata do Arado on to the Poço Azul pool.

The Miradouro da Ermida has a tourist information point run by the village association, which sells local products.

Neither the council nor Gerês Rails lists toilets or a café at the waterfall itself, so bring a picnic and plan a stop in Vila do Gerês or Ermida. Bring water, a warm layer (the viewpoint is high up), and something dry to change into if anyone gets wet.

The Gerês is a long drive from Porto, so it can make sense to break the journey in Braga. The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary above Braga has a zigzag staircase and a water-powered funicular from 1882. For a river swim with lifeguards in summer, Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe sits on the Cávado near Braga. Gerês Rails lists other waterfalls in the area, including Fecha de Barjas (known as Tahiti), Portela do Homem and Várzeas.

How long is the walk to Cascata do Arado?

About 200 metres of stone steps from the bridge, roughly ten minutes at a child’s pace.

Can you swim at Cascata do Arado?

It isn’t advised. The council warns of serious accidents, and local guides mention strong currents and hidden rocks. Look from the viewpoint instead.

Can you take a buggy?

No. The viewpoint is reached by stone steps, so use a carrier for babies and toddlers.

Is there parking?

Yes, free parking near the bridge at the end of the dirt track.

When is the best time to see the waterfall?

Spring, when the river is fullest. In dry periods the waterfall can run low or even dry.