Hiking in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park: the most beautiful itineraries for summer

1. Lago Vivo

Lago Vivo is nestled in a karst basin at the foot of one of the Park’s most spectacular natural amphitheaters. It rewards hikers with captivating scenery, remarkable natural and geological features, and traces of the area’s pastoral traditions. From the town of Barrea, follow road SS83 for 1.5 km toward Alfedena as far as the first hairpin bend. Leave the main road and turn right onto a dirt track that soon reaches the Fonte Sambuco spring, where the K6 trail begins.

2. Valle di Terraegna and the UNESCO Ancient Beech Forests

In the warmer months, the Park’s mountains host one of the Apennines’ most surprising spectacles: a profusion of wildflowers that fills these landscapes with color and scent. More than 2,000 plant species have been recorded here, including many flowering plants. One of the best routes to enjoy this show is Trail A1, which links the small village of Bisegna to Pescasseroli. Starting from Fonte d’Appia, you follow the forest road uphill and, in about two hours, reach the wide Terraegna plateau at the foot of the long Montagna Grande ridge, where a staffed mountain refuge stands. During summer, Wildlife Adventures guides run a guided hike to Terraegna Valley and the old-growth forest, with the option to experience the atmosphere of the Terraegna Refuge.

3. Val Canneto

On the Lazio side of the Park, Val Canneto is a destination where nature, water, and sacred history come together. The experience is described in detail here: Val Canneto between spirituality, water and ancient forests. From Settefrati, follow the signs to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Canneto and drive up a scenic road for about 9 km. Park in the designated area just beyond the basilica and continue on foot along Trail F2.

4. Val di Rose

Trail I1 climbs from the small village of Civitella Alfedena up to Passo Cavuto and the Forca Resuni Refuge, offering a varied and memorable hike. After walking through a beech forest, you’ll enjoy sweeping views toward Lake Barrea and Monte Petroso. Val di Rose is famous for its high concentration of Apennine chamois. For this reason, summer access may be regulated and not freely open: to enter, you may be required to join guided hikes scheduled in agreement with the Park Authority.

5. Bearwatching in the Park

The most iconic inhabitant of the Central Apennines is without doubt the Marsican brown bear, an endemic subspecies whose core population lives largely within the Park and its surroundings. No hike can ever guarantee a bear encounter. However, joining the experience Bearwatching in Abruzzo gives you the chance to learn about the bear’s ecology, diet, and conservation status—and naturally improves your chances of observing wildlife responsibly.

6. Scanno and the heart-shaped lake

The history of the Central Apennines is closely tied to pastoralism. Over millennia, the work of shepherds—more than any other human activity—shaped this landscape and influenced local traditions, language, art, and food. Many of these elements are still visible in Scanno, a small mountain town made famous by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mario Giacomelli, Gianni Berengo Gardin, and Ferdinando Scianna.

In the village, the “Sentiero del Cuore” leads to a natural viewpoint where you can admire the lake’s distinctive heart-like shape. It’s also worth visiting the goldsmith workshops that still produce filigree jewelry and tasting the renowned “Pan dell’Orso,” available from Pasticceria Di Masso.

7. Difesa di Pescasseroli: the fairy-tale forest

Just west of Pescasseroli, immediately outside the town, lies a place with an almost enchanted atmosphere. This is the Difesa forest—an ancient wooded pasture marked by monumental pollarded beeches with distinctive candelabra-shaped trunks. You can read more about the experience here: The ancient forest of Pescasseroli. A comfortable mule track forms an easy loop of around two hours, with a refreshing stop at the trough and spring, where exceptionally clear water flows.

8. Prati d’Angro

An easy walk in one of the Park’s lesser-known and quieter areas. From Villavallelonga, in the north-western sector, follow the road up to the small Madonna della Lanna chapel (1,086 m a.s.l.), then continue on foot across open clearings to reach the Prati d’Angro refuge and the spring of the same name. Even on the drive up, it’s hard not to notice the almost continuous forest cover on both sides of the valley. On the right-hand side of the Vallelonga valley lies Val Cervara, whose upper slopes host Europe’s oldest beech forest, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017.