park and trail · Castelo, ES
Parque Estadual do Forno Grande
A high-altitude park with rounded rock formations, high-altitude grasslands and trails leading to viewpoints overlooking much of the Espírito Santo mountains. It is one of the best places in the state to watch the sunset.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Estadual do Forno Grande
The Parque Estadual do Forno Grande (state park) protects an area of high-altitude Atlantic Forest in the countryside of Castelo, in southern Espírito Santo. Inside it is the Pico do Forno Grande (peak), at just over 2,000 meters, said to be the second-highest point in the state. The park is managed by IEMA, the state environmental institute.
The area was created as a forest reserve in 1960 and became a state park in 1998. The high-altitude forest, rare in Brazil, is home to species found only in this region, as well as animals such as the puma and many birds.
The trails start at the Visitor Center, which has an exhibit on the park's wildlife and vegetation. The shorter ones lead to a waterfall of about 30 meters, which only has water in the rainy season, to the Gruta da Santinha (grotto) and to the Poços Amarelos, natural pools with yellowish water. The Trilha do Mirante da Pedra Azul is longer and reaches a spot with a wide view of the mountains.
Climbing to the summit of the Pico do Forno Grande is another matter: it requires advance booking, climbing equipment and, ideally, an accredited guide. The regular trails take light to moderate effort, with climbs and rocky stretches. The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside two to three hours for the short trails and half a day if you go to the Mirante da Pedra Azul.
Best time
In the summer months the waterfall has water; in winter the sky is usually clearer for the view from the viewpoint. Arrive early, because trail entry ends in the early afternoon.
How to get there
The park is in the rural area of Castelo, in the Espírito Santo mountains. From the ES-164, which links Vargem Alta to the BR-262, take the ES-477 to the park entrance, with stretches of dirt road.
Tip
Bring water, snacks and a jacket: the park has no snack bar or restaurant, and it gets cold quickly up there.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Estadual do Forno Grande in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Estadual do Forno Grande
Do I need to book to visit the Forno Grande park?
For the regular trails, small groups do not need to book. Large groups and schools must book with IEMA, and climbing to the summit of the peak always requires advance booking.
Is there an entrance fee for the Parque Estadual do Forno Grande?
Check entry conditions and hours on the official IEMA website before you go.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed in the park, and drones are also prohibited.
Can you hike up Pico do Forno Grande?
It is not a regular trail: climbing to the summit requires booking, climbing equipment and, ideally, an accredited guide. If you just want to hike, the Trilha do Mirante da Pedra Azul is the longest option.
Can you camp in the park?
No. The park has no campground or snack bar; visits are daytime only.