Fonte Grande State Park

Fonte Grande State Park is a protected forest area covering about 218 hectares of Atlantic rainforest, with terrain that includes valleys and ridges reaching up to 309 meters in elevation. The park features walking trails and natural springs distributed across its landscape.

The area served as refuge for people escaping slavery during the 17th century and was later established to protect the native forest. Its official designation as a protected park occurred in the 1980s.

The park shows visitors why the Atlantic Forest matters to the region, teaching through its education center about forest protection and conservation efforts. The site demonstrates how healthy forests connect directly to the water supply that supports the community.

The park can be entered through three access points, with the main vehicle entrance on Serafim Derenzi Highway leading toward the administrative area. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy shoes and water, as trails cover uneven ground at varying elevations.

The park contains three natural springs named São Benedito, Cazuza, and Morcego that together provide a significant portion of water supply to the nearby city. These hidden sources within the forest demonstrate how the ecosystem sustains the region's water resources.