Parque Estadual Cachoeira da Fumaça

Located in the geographical and tourist region of Caparaó, the Park protects springs and forest remnants of part of the hydrographic basin of the Braço Norte Direito River, one of the main tributaries of the Itapemirim River. It is named for the presence of the lush waterfall that is 144 meters high, considered the largest in Espírito Santo with perennial water. Due to its volume and force, the waterfall, when crashing against the rocks, forms a cloud of droplets that resembles a "smoke" cloud. Predominantly featuring hillside forests, riparian forests, and rocky vegetation, its flora consists of 222 species of angiosperms, belonging to 171 genera and 60 families, where 80.18% are native species of the Atlantic Forest. In this environment, bromeliads, heliconias, jacarandas, fig trees, angicos, and others stand out. In the fauna, 30 species of non-flying mammals are known, distributed among 15 families, along with a diversity of birds and reptiles. Some representatives of the fauna include: teiú, otter, small wildcat, jaguarundi, paca, armadillo, bush dog, maitaca, and great kingfisher, among others. The predominant geology is metamorphic rock, with gneiss being quite present. The relief is considered rugged, with most of the area formed by steep slopes and hills, but it also features the presence of river plains and terraces. Surrounding the area are small rural communities, whose economic base is agricultural production, with tourism being a complementary income alternative.