A path that awakens the deepest emotions linked to nature, through national parks and protected areas. An experience that brings you closer to the majesty of wild life, crossing enveloping woods and valleys with breathtaking landscapes.
The Path of Natural Parks connects the most important Natural Parks in Italy and protected areas that follow one another along the route between Rome and L’Aquila, it is a journey through the history of man and nature and a unique opportunity to rediscover some of the corners most beautiful in our country. The natural areas affected are the Appia Antica Regional Park, the Castelli Romani Regional Park, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, the Monti Simbruini Regional Park, the Monti Lucretili Regional Park, the Appia Antica, the Montagne della Duchessa regional nature reserve and the Monti Navegna and Cervia regional nature reserve.
It is divided into 25 Stages, grouped into 4 weeks and touches 42 villages between Lazio and Abruzzo. Starting from the Roman countryside, the itinerary crosses some great little wonders of Central Italy hidden among valleys, hills and extensive woods on the mountain ranges.
The purpose of the fireplace is to lead, through slow movement, to the discovery of the internal areas of the Apennines rich in biodiversity and characterized by the presence of wolves, deer, golden eagles and the Marsican brown bear, alongside routes and paths of historical pilgrimages famous and promoting sustainable tourism and the enhancement of the cultural, environmental and religious heritage of Central Italy.
The Natural Path of the Parks is an invitation to slow down, to let yourself be enveloped by beauty to rediscover the primordial connection with nature, getting closer to the flora and fauna that surrounds every step.
| STAGES | START | ARRIVAL | DISTANCE | DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 09 | Cineto Romano | Orvinio | 18 Km | Difference in height: 823 mt. – Elevation loss: 499 mt |
| Stage 10 | Orvinio | Castel di Tora | 13 km | Difference in height: 502 mt. – Elevation loss: 757 mt |
| Stage 11 | Castel di Tora | Marcetelli | 16,9 km | Difference in height: 869 mt. – Elevation loss: 569 mt |
| Stage 12 | Marcetelli | Pescorocchiano | 17,2 km | Difference in height: 581 mt. – Elevation loss: 636 mt |
| Stage 13 | Pescorocchiano | Corvaro | 22,1 km | Difference in height: 589 mt. – Elevation loss: 552 mt. |
| Stage 15 | Castiglione | Altopiano del Rascino | 15,1 km | Difference in height: 991 mt. – Elevation loss: 663 mt |
| Stage 16 | Altopiano del Rascino | Antrodoco | 16,2 km| | Difference in height: 745 mt. – Elevation loss: 1411 mt |
| Stage 17 | Antrodoco | Posta | 13,9 km | Difference in height: 232 mt. – Elevation loss: 6 mt |
| Stage 18 | Posta | Cittareale | 14,8 km | Difference in height: 378 mt. – Elevation loss: 184 mt |
| Stage 19 | Cittareale | Accumoli | 26,6 km | Difference in height: 1114 mt. – Elevation loss: 1250 mt |
| Stage 20 | Accumoli | Amatrice | 15,2 km | Difference in height: 559 mt. – Elevation loss: 485 mt |
| Stage 21 | Amatrice | Campotosto | 13,8 km | Difference in height: 763 mt. – Elevation loss: 328 mt |
From the Roman countryside, crossing the eastern part of the Lucretili Mountains and the Percile lakes, you reach Orvinio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy characterized by narrow streets that wind through its medieval centre. Entering the Monti Lucretili Regional Natural Park, among woods and glimpses of splendid panoramas, the small village of Pozzaglia Sabina offers refreshment among its narrow paved streets, ancient stone houses. The park covers an area of 18,204 hectares in 12 municipalities in the provinces of Rieti and Rome and is characterized by a mountainous area, rich flora and fauna and numerous hiking trails.
The path touches Castel di Tora, also defined as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy; it enjoys an enviable position overlooking the emerald Lake Turano and is surrounded by a landscape of rare beauty. Among the points of interest in the city there is Antuni, a suggestive abandoned village totally immersed in Lake Turano.
We are in the Monti Navegna and Cervia Nature Reserve, the protected area which extends for approximately 3,600 hectares between the hydrographic basins of the Salto and Turano rivers, is characterized by a mountainous and wooded landscape, with a very diversified flora and fauna. In particular, it is home to numerous animal species, including the Apennine wolf, wild boar, roe deer and golden eagle.
Another is the protected area crossed at the height of the village of Corvaro, the Montagne della Duchessa Nature Reserve which covers an area of about 3000 hectares and was established in 2000 with the aim of protecting the biodiversity and natural values of the area, the landscape is characterized by mountains, valleys, woods, meadows and streams, which are home to numerous animal and plant species.
We will cross Castiglione and then move on to Rascino with its marvelous crystalline lake, a place of great natural beauty that arouses intense emotions in those who visit it.
Other important villages worthy of note touched by the path: Marcetelli where, among the attractions of the town, we can mention the Church of Santa Maria Assunta dating back to the 16th century; the village of Pescorocchiano characterized by a hilly and wooded landscape, with numerous springs and streams that cross it; Antrodoco with its medieval historic center and numerous churches and historic buildings; Posta village with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and known for its natural beauties, including the Velino River and nearby Monte Terminillo; in addition to the places that were affected by the 2016 earthquake Accumoli and Amatrice symbol of resistance and reconstruction, skirting the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the highest mountains of the entire Apennines.
Along the Natural Path of the Parks you will find numerous reception points, you can sleep in lodgings, B&Bs, farmhouses or in religious structures. On the official website www.camminonaturaledeiparchi.it you will find information, GPS tracks and request the credentials to walk the Way.
Along the stages are other places of interest that, time permitting, we invite you to visit.
If you want to access the detailed map for outdoor use and check all the data and statistics of the route, even in 3D, please see the page that Anima Reatina has published on the outdooractive portal
Registered office: Via Manzoni 10, 02100 Rieti
c.o. V^comunità montana
Tax code: 01235650577
