The ancient forest of Pescasseroli

This is the forest of La Difesa, a very old wooded pasture, set between steep mountains and known for the monumental beech trees. The typical "candelabra" shape of their trunks is due to pollarding, a pruning method used to produce firewood and leafy branches as food for the livestock.

The excursion follows an easy route in a loop, and can be completed in half a day. It is not particularly difficult, so it is also suitable for families with children. This route can be followed year-round and is especially recommended in summer, when it offers relief from the summer heat, and in autumn and winter, to admire the colours of the leaves or to follow animal tracks in the snow.

Highlights

A guided tour of the location of the French film 'The Fox and the Child', filmed in this very location
The itinerary is marked by the presence of monumental beech trees with the typical 'candelabra' shape
The complexity and charm of these trees make this place unique and justify its international relevance

Costs

from 15,00 €

What's included

Local nature guide
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Personal travel insurance

This hike is suitable for those who are not used to climbing mountains. It is also suitable for families with children aged six and over.

What to bring

The hike is pleasant for most of the year. However, it's a good idea to pack layered clothes so you can adjust to the temperature during the day, as well as good hiking shoes.

Mountain backpack (18+ litres)
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight fleece
Comfortable trousers
Hiking shoes
Cap
Sun protection cream
Water (at least 0.5 l)

FAQ

Of course, a good percentage of the participants to the guided hikes in Abruzzo are single travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

The minimum recommended age for the hike through the ancient forest into Difesa of Pescasseroli is 6 years with previous hiking experience.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike through the ancient forest of Pescasseroli in Abruzzo. If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your sneaks and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.

Outdoor activities are weather dependent. If we are forced to cancel an activity due to extreme weather conditions, an alternative date, gift card or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.

We can confirm most of the scheduled events due to our intimate knowledge of the area. Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing.

Ask for a private hike trough the ancient forest of Pescasseroli tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

Pescasseroli is the most important village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pescina exit, proceed on SR83 or on SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pescina exit, go on towards SR83 or towards SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Pescasseroli.

You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of LineaRoma or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Avezzano.