Imagine standing atop Pedra do Quilombo. Can you feel the wind? It whispers tales of a forest. This isn’t just any forest. It is one of the world’s largest urban forests.
Welcome to Pedra do Quilombo. It is the second highest peak in the Pau Fome area. This area is part of the Pedra Branca State Park. The park protects one of the largest urban forests on Earth. Pedra do Quilombo is part of this park.
To get here you can drive. Then you can walk. The hike is about 7 kilometers. It takes about 3.5 hours. The trail is moderate in difficulty. You will pass the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca entrance. The path is well marked. The first part is easy though it is long. There are some forks. Stay on the main path. Do not take detours like the “Trilha do Rio Grande”.
After a bamboo grove the trail gets harder. The last kilometer is the toughest. It is steep and narrow. You may need to scramble over rocks. Metal staples and steel cables help you climb. The climb is slow but the view from the top is worth it.
From Pedra do Quilombo you see amazing views. You are right in front of Pico da Pedra Branca. This is the city’s highest peak. You can also see Pedra da Gávea. On a clear day you might see Serra do Tinguá. Perhaps you will see Serra dos Órgãos. The way back down is easier. There is time to enjoy the park’s beautiful waterfalls.
Pedra do Quilombo stands at 735 meters altitude. The hike cuts through the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca. The park is the world’s largest urban forest. From the summit you see a panoramic view. You see the west side of the city. You can see much of the Pedra Branca Massif. You can also see the Tijuca Massif. This includes Pedra da Gávea and Pico da Tijuca. At the end of the trail is a waterfall. It is a refreshing reward.
Remember this view from Pedra do Quilombo. It connects us to nature and to Rio’s stunning landscape. The Pedra Branca State Park is waiting. It has the Pico da Pedra Branca. It has the Cachoeiras da Pedra Branca. It has the beautiful Pedra do Quilombo.