Serra do Rola-Moça State Park: A Natural Sanctuary

Serra do Rola-Moça State Park, established in 1994, is a vital conservation area spanning across the municipalities of Belo Horizonte, Nova Lima, Ibirité, and Brumadinho. This park protects six essential springs that supply water to the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. The park's name has a unique origin, inspired by a poem by Mário de Andrade, recounting the tragic tale of a newlywed couple who fell to their deaths while crossing the mountains on horseback. The park's diverse landscape lies in the transition zone between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, featuring areas of Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, alpine tundra, and rupestrian ferruginous fields. The rare ferruginous field vegetation, found on iron-bearing 'canga' crust, is particularly unique, existing only in the Iron Quadrangle of Minas Gerais and the Carajás Mountains. Visitors can explore this unique environment accompanied by park monitors. The park is home to a wide array of plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, and species like *Cariniana legalis*, *Gochnatia polymorpha*, and *Vellozia squamata*. It also serves as a refuge for endangered animals such as cougars, ocelots, oncillas, maned wolves, Pampas deer, and solitary tinamous. Hiking trails and lookouts like Três Pedras, Planeta, Jatobá, and Morro dos Veados offer panoramic views. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the park's geological formations. The park also plays a crucial role in environmental education, promoting awareness and conservation of the region's natural heritage.