MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE WATERFALLS TRAIL, MURITIBA – SÃO FÉLIX, BAHIA

Abstract

Trails have been a cultural element present in human history, serving as pathways of communication between different inhabited or visited places, meeting the needs for transportation, exploration of new territories, and the search for resources such as food and water. In the municipalities of Muritiba and São Félix, there already exists an informal trail system, where guides lead visitors through areas that include waterfalls, streams, hills, forests, and even rugged terrain. The aim of this work was to identify, map, and characterize an ecological trail, classifying it into different difficulty levels. This is intended to enhance the experience for various audiences and explore its tourist potential. The process involved three methodological stages: a bibliographic research to understand the environment, field data collection to comprehend its specific features, and georeferenced data processing to create thematic maps. The final outcome is a map displaying the various difficulty levels of the trail, highlighting sensitive areas that require protection to prevent excessive degradation and minimize environmental impact. This not only enhances the visitors' experience but also contributes to the conservation of these natural areas and their economic potential while preserving the environment.