Itacolomi State Park protects the serrated mountain that forms one of Ouro Preto's natural backdrops. The park is the place to trade steep cobbled streets for cerrado vegetation, forest patches, old farm buildings, and views back toward the historic mining towns.
The main draw is hiking, especially for travellers who want a wider sense of the landscape that made this part of Minas Gerais so rich and contested. Go with water, sun protection, and a realistic plan for transport, since the park feels close on the map but is not a casual stroll from the centre.