The Great Maple of Monte Tranquillo

Through ancient forests and mountain legends, in the shadow of one of Italy’s most monumental trees. In the heart of Abruzzo - a region where nearly half the territory is protected by nature reserves - lies an extraordinary arboreal heritage: more than seventy monumental trees, true living symbols of a millennia-old history.

This itinerary takes us to discover the “patriarchs” of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park - majestic centuries-old trees that, like ancient guardians, preserve the memories, traditions, and legends of this land. Their presence plays a vital role in the forest ecosystem, offering shelter and essential resources to a vast array of animal species. Among these green giants are impressive specimens of oak, pine, fir, maple, and beech. The beech tree, in particular with its wide canopy and trunks often hollowed by time - creates an ideal habitat for wildlife: a winter refuge, a safe den, a nesting site, or a silent stage for ambushes, encounters, and mating rituals. But one of the most extraordinary encounters awaits at the foot of Monte Tranquillo, where a majestic centuries-old maple rises: standing about 30 meters tall with a trunk circumference of eight meters at the base, it is affectionately known as L’Acerone - the Great Maple.

Highlights

We’ll reach a natural terrace with wide, spectacular views over the peaks of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
Along the way, we’ll discover Europe’s oldest beech trees — ancient green giants that have stood for over 500 years.
We’ll walk through vast mountain meadows where semi-wild horses, deer, foxes and wolves roam freely, immersed in an authentic, quiet ecosystem far from the chaos and rush of the valley below.

Costs

from 20,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Any transports
Packed lunch
Personal travel insurance

The hike does not present any technical difficulties and takes place on mountain trails and mule tracks with moderate ascents and descents. Suitable hiking footwear is required, especially for some steeper sections along the route.

FAQ

Naturally, many of the participants on guided hikes in Abruzzo National Park are solo 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 recommended minimum age for the hike to Terraegna Valley is 10 years, and participants must have previous hiking experience. Younger children may be able to participate on other dates and on a private basis, if requested.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike to the Terraegna Valley. 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.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private hike to the Terraegna Valley 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.