Finding a natural refuge amid the concrete jungle seems like a challenge, but the Pedra Grande Trail proves that nature endures in São Paulo. Located in the North Zone, the trail allows you to immerse yourself in one of the most important remaining stretches of Atlantic Forest in the state.
The trail is located in Cantareira State Park, which opened to the public in 1989 and is now recognized as one of the largest native urban forests on the planet. That’s why it’s the ideal destination for those seeking outdoor recreation with a touch of adventure!
How to get to Cantareira State Park?
The main access to the trail is through the Pedra Grande Visitor Center, with the entrance at Rua do Horto, 1799. Currently, this area welcomes visitors from Wednesday through Sunday and on holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.).
Admission costs R$ 60 (full price) and provides free access to three areas of the park. It’s worth noting that groups such as children, students, seniors, and people with disabilities are eligible for half-price admission. Thus, the park establishes itself as an inclusive destination for a wide range of adventurers in São Paulo.
The trail and the view from the Pedra Grande Lookout
To reach the summit, at an altitude of 1 , 010 meters, visitors follow a 3.3-kilometer self-guided route (one-way). Although the distance may seem considerable, the path is paved and the incline is moderate, making it possible to complete the hike in about 40 minutes.
During the hike, you can appreciate the local biodiversity by observing the native flora and fauna. Upon reaching the top, the reward: a stunning panoramic view of the city of São Paulo, where the contrast between the vegetation and the buildings on the horizon creates a unique scene!
If you want to extend the adventure, at the end of the Pedra Grande Trail, you can take an alternate path that leads to Lago das Carpas. It’s another 2 kilometers of self-guided hiking (one way), but the experience of resting by the shore of a preserved lake, surrounded by Atlantic Forest, makes the extra effort worthwhile.