access to Gravatá Trail starts at Rodovia SC 406, also called Estrada Geral da Barra da Lagoa, a road that provides access to the Barra da Lagoa starting from Conceição Lagoon.
The trail starts on a very steep red concrete ramp and goes up towards the top of the hill. The walk to the highest part is short, but requires some physical preparation, especially at the beginning, due to the great angle of the terrain. On days with northeasterly wind, it is common to see a lot of people on this trail, as it provides access to the free flight ramp of the soft beach.
In the past, the first section of the trail, which goes up to the free flight ramp, could be done by car. Currently, with the rains and lack of maintenance, the trail can only be covered on foot. In this first stretch, it is important to be very careful with the ditches and loose stones on the floor.
The descent towards the beach is longer than the ascent, but it is well marked and has few stones and ditches. The vegetation, in this part of the hill, is formed by small bushes and ties, which are a type of bromeliad very abundant on the island, mainly in this region.
Near the halfway point of the trail, one passes through the access to Vulture stone, a rock monolith widely used by climbers to practice rappelling. From the top of this rock you have one of the most beautiful and exclusive views of Lagoa da Conceição, Dunas and Joaquina Beach, Morro da Lagoa, Campeche, Soft Beaches and Cruet to the São João do Rio Vermelho neighborhood.
The trail descends gently towards Gravatá Beach. Almost reaching the beach, you pass by one of the only two buildings in this region. It is a Fishing Ranch, a type of building that serves as a garage for storing small boats used in artisanal fishing.
After reaching the beach, on the right shore, a new trail goes towards the shores and to the top of Cabeça do Dragão, from where you can have a view of the slopes and shores that connect Praia da Joaquina to Praia do Gravatá.
Remember to bring plenty of water and food, because at Gravatá Beach, there are no commercial establishments or drinking water courses.
