Portuguese International Appalachian Trailin the Naturtejo Global Geopark

2015

‐ diversification of the tourist offer in the Naturtejo Geopark

‐ under the project of the organization touristic product of Oleiros ‐ the Mountain Route of Oleiros 

‐ improves the value of the Serra do Muradal

‐ enrichment of the geological, biological, landscape,archaeological and cultural heritage of Serra do Muradal andthe surrounding villages

International Appalachian Trail

Pangea

Pangea designationSupercontinent formed about 250 million years ago, which gave rise to the "Appalachian” reliefs 

The Appalachian mountains wereformed by the collision ofcontinents that composed thePangea

Appalachian Mountains 

The Appalachian Mountainrange extends from AlabamaState up to Quebec in Canada

Appalachian Trail is a walking path withabout 3500 km that crosses along US It is visited annually by 4 million people

It is known as "the longest continuous trail of human footprints in the world"

International Appalachian Trail

International Appalachian Trail

IAT connects people and places

IAT is a successful Geotourism strategy

The concept began to expand into Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the British Isles, Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco

International Appalachian Trail

Grand Randonee Muradal‐Pangea

Connection of a Portuguese pedestrian trail to an 

international network, trans‐continental footpaths under the prestigious brand “International 

Appalachian Trail”

Grand Randonee Muradal‐PangeaInternational Appalachian Trail

Promotion of the region at an international level, in 

association with the American brand "Appalachian Trail" 

Grand Randonee Muradal‐PangeaInternational Appalachian Trail

It is a circuit with approximately 37km, which has four beginning and/or arrival alternative points, right in the centre of Mountain villages of Estreito, SarnadasS. Simão, Vilar Barroco and Orvalho.

Muradal Mountain

To the entrance of the IAT in the Iberian Peninsula, the NaturtejoGeopark was considered under great influence of the Central Cordilleraand within this, in its mountain area par excellence, in Oleiros.

Themes: Quartzite

Themes: Appalachian reliefs

Themes: Traces of life evolution recorded in the rocks

Themes: The ecology of the mountain adapted to the microenvironments of the quartzite rock 

Themes: The human occupation with prehistoric shelters and old mines

Geosites

‐ Integration of 6 geosites from Naturtejo Global 

Geopark

‐ Proper interpretation

Geosites

‐ Geosites with scientific, educational and touristic value

‐ IAT contribute positively for geoconservation

Historical and Cultural Heritage

To promote the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of the villages under the influence of the 

Mountain

Signage

Use of official approved Portuguesesigns (from the Portuguese Federationof Camping and Mountaineering)

Use of the authorized signs of the IAT

Use of the marks according to thenorms of the Portuguese CyclingFederation

Signage

Signs and panels are made in treated materials resistant to 

erosive agents, UV and vandalism

Works

‐ Land clearing‐ Recovery of existing  pathways‐ Opening of new trails‐ Cleaning of trails‐ Signage‐ Information and Interpretation points‐ Building bridges and stairs

Equipment for Adventure SportsClimbing School “Zebro”

‐ 15 routes‐ Climbing type: technical plates with fissures and reglettes

‐ Expands the range of potential users

Equipment for Adventure SportsVia Ferrata “Walk on the Ordovician Ocean”

‐ 150 m

Coming across the vertical cliffs reveals a unique sensation ofdiving into the deep time and crawling on the dimensions of a vastspace, once the ocean and now the vertigo

Local Participation

Project with the participation ofvarious local entities,reinforcing the sense of identityand belonging

Local partnerships contribute to the effective implementation of the route on the ground and its management and maintenance 

in the future: Oleiros Municipality, Naturtejo Geopark, 

Village Councils and Local Associations

Community evolvement

Access to the IAT from the various villages

Community Reunions  on the Trail

Shared responsibilities about the Trail

Articulation with other projects

Connection with the Walking Trail  “GeoRota do Orvalho” 

Proximity with the Walking Trail “Trilhos do Estreito”

Integration in the “Mountains Route” driving tour

Promotion in the Lisbon International Tourism Fair

Launch of the IAT

March 2015

TransPangea ‐ The CrossroadsUltramarathon

Self‐supported Race

Endurance

1000 km in 4 stages in IAT

265 km in Portugal

www.naturtejo.com