PERIOD
June-October
DURATION
10h
LOCATION
Prati di Mezzo, Lazio
GROUP SIZE
15 people
LENGTH
19 km roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN
1060 m ascent – 1060 m descent
DIFFICULT
Challenging
You need a good level of fitness, because the itinerary is long and there is a significant altitude difference.
A long and exciting hike on the ridge of one of the least frequented and wildest areas of the Park. A path that will take us back in time near the cave of the bloodthirsty bandit Domenico Fuoco. He died near the Mount Meta in the night between 17th and 18th of August 1870, in the German trenches that can still be observed on the ridge of Mount Mare and Mount Marrone. These mountains were witnesses of the advance of “Corpo Italiano di Liberazione” (Italian army corp during the second world war) in the spring of 1944 and they hosted the shelter of Charles Moulin. He was a singular painter who decided to leave Paris in the first years of 1900; he was a famed painter, but he decided to leave almost completely alone on the peaks of these mountains.
Roundtrip hike offers the most typical and awesome National Park Landscapes: gorgeous rocky walls, deep glacial valleys, beech forests
Walking silently and respectfully one can see one of the most important population of Apennine chamois, meekly grazing between pastures and rocky walls.
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn
Meeting at Picinisco and transfer to the Prati di Mezzo. Departure for a high-altitude hike until “Passo dei Monaci” Pass. We will walk along the ridge of the Mainarde mountain chain, the path is all ups and downs, and there will be an altitude among 1800 and 2200 meters above sea level. This itinerary is characterized by meadows and karts phenomena and there are beautiful views on the Abruzzo and Lazio regions sides of Abruzzo National Park. If there are good weather conditions it is possible to see Gran Sasso, Vesuvius, Capri and Ischia Islands. Packed lunch. When we will arrive at the southerness point of the Mainarde mountain chain, that is Mount Marrone, an easy path will lead us to the valley through a beech forest.
Prices
€ 30 / per adult
What’s included
Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance
What is not included
Packed lunch
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is an enchanting place where wilderness is offered in many unexpected shapes and colours. The place which more than any other jealously guards its origins, rejects anything too noisy, and still today embraces that ancient connection between humans and nature. A trip to this region could result unforgettable from many points of view, but without a doubt it can help us to rediscover a fleeting inner peace.
During the spring and autumn season the territory offers beautiful scenery and a magical atmospheres. See booking calendar for available dates.
Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: at 2.000 mt above sea level, in summertime too, it could be very cold. You must have hiking boots.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Rucksack (25-35 litre)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Technical walking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Hiking boots
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 l)
Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
This hiking is designed for adults and young 14+, with a good level of fitness and some previous experience in hiking in mountains.
Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.
Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your packed dinner 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, activity or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.
Our guides are registered in Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.
We suggest you to book on line activity insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
Picinisco is one of the village of Abruzzo Lazio and Molise 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 two access points. FROM ROME AND NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): highway A1 until Cassino exit, enter SR509 towards Atina Inferiore and then proceed SP112 until Picinisco.