A reservoir in the forest
Açude do Camorim is in the Camorim sector of Pedra Branca State Park. The Transcarioca Trail information says it was built in 1908 at about 435 meters above sea level, with a depth of 18 meters and a volume of 210,000 cubic meters. It also places the reservoir between the Serra do Quilombo, Serra do Nogueira and Pico do Sacarrão. These are figures from the trail source, not measurements I made on site.
The reservoir is a reminder that these mountains hold springs and water systems connected to the city. The forest is not a backdrop around the dam: it is part of a landscape protected for its springs, Atlantic Forest and historic value.
Essential rule: do not enter the water
The Transcarioca Trail guide explicitly says swimming is not allowed and the water is not fit for consumption. I do not enter, jump from rocks or use it to refill a bottle. I also do not present the informal name “Prainha do Camorim” as a beach open for swimming: it refers to a shoreline rest area, not permission to enter the water.
Rain can change trail conditions, and waterways require caution. If conditions are poor or there is an alert, I postpone the visit. Inside the park, I stay on authorized paths and do not walk along slippery edges for a photo.
How to plan the visit
The reference entrance is Núcleo Camorim, at 2,118 Estrada do Camorim. INEA describes a trail of about four kilometers to the reservoir and lists general administrative hours as Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am–5 pm. Before setting out, confirm that the sector is open, the latest time to start the hike, trail conditions and the rules for the day. The distance alone does not make this a short outing: allow time for climbing, breaks and returning before closing.
Bring drinking water from the city, grippy shoes, food, sun protection and a rain layer. I do not count on shops along the route or assume there will be phone service.
What to combine it with
To understand the area before hiking, read about Camorim Park Centre. If you are interested in the water heritage on the other slope, compare it with the old Pau da Fome aqueduct. The açude is also on the longer route of Transcarioca Section 06, but that traverse has its own demands and logistics.
Source
Transcarioca Trail: history, technical information and no-swimming rule → · INEA: Núcleo Camorim and general access →
