Cerro de Punta

The mountain is part of the Cordillera Central and is located on the border between the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya. It is located within the boundaries of the Toro Negro State Forest and Nature Reserve, and it has been described as "an alpine runt." The mountain is just north of east-to-westbound Route 143. It is located at coordinates 18.172458 and -66.591839W. The nearest populated place to Cerro de Punta is Urbanización Vega Linda, located 3.3 miles (5.3 km) away. ==Geology==

Unlike many Caribbean mountains, Cerro de Punta is not a volcano but simply the highest point in the Cordillera Central. Cordillera Central is the central mountain range that divides the island by running in an east–west fashion. ==Panoramic view==

The view from atop Cerro de Punta is said to be "the best view in all of Puerto Rico". On a clear day, it is possible to see virtually the entire island, including as far as San Juan, which is over 75 miles (120 km) away. There is an observation platform at the top of the mountain. ==Wildlife and flora==

The mountain is home to an abundant amount of wildlife, lush vegetation, flowering shrubs and trees, and numerous waterfalls. The mountain is covered by Sierra palm trees. such as the endangered fern Elaphoglossum serpens which is found only on this mountain and nowhere else in the world, and Cook's holly (Ilex cookii) or planta de te, which is only found here and in neighboring Mount Jayuya. ==Nearby roads==

The area consists of many steep mountains. The nearest road is PR-143, which is a winding two-lane mountain road that must be travelled very slowly as it is not possible to see traffic coming from the opposite direction for any significant length. Off Route 143 is the road that actually leads to the mountain's top. Route 143 can be accessed via the better-traveled Route 10. For your safety, driving in Puerto Rico sign.jpg|Driving in mountain roads tips View of roadway that leads up to Cerro de Punta.jpg|View of roadway from Cerro de Punta ==Hiking and access trail==

A nearby inn called Hacienda Gripiñas, has a trail that leads to the top of the mountain. Hacienda Gripiñas was a coffee plantation, but has been turned into a country inn. In 2010 it still grew some coffee. The inn operates under a contract with the Government of Puerto Rico. The trails, however, are not well marked and often suffer damage from storms. While people can hike their way to the top of the mountain, there is a paved road that leads to the very summit. The Toro Negro State Forest has 12 miles (19 km) of hiking trails some of which lead to the top of Cerro de Punta. ==Gallery==

View from Cerro de Punta, highest point in Puerto Rico.jpg|View from Cerro de Punta, highest point in Puerto Rico Paved road for climbing up to Cerro de Punta, Puerto Rico.jpg|Paved road for climbing up to Cerro de Punta Cerro de Punta plateau.jpg|Antennas at Cerro de Punta Cerro de Punta, highest point in Puerto Rico.jpg|Lookout area at Cerro de Punta's summit Cerro de Punta as seen from Mercedita Airport, Ponce, Puerto Rico (DSC02952).jpg|Cerro de Punta as seen from Mercedita Airport, Ponce, Puerto Rico Cerro de Punta as seen from the Caja de Muertos, Ponce, Puerto Rico (DSC03691).jpg|Cerro de Punta as seen from Caja de Muertos, Ponce, Puerto Rico Cerro Punta Puerto Rico.JPG|Cerro de Punta as viewed from Ruta Panorámica ==See also==