Highlight • Natural
The wild meadow
Hiking
4.8
(43)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna
Tips
July 28, 2023
Hiking
•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near The wild meadow
4.7
(159)
702
hikers
14.4km
05:37
540m
540m
This difficult hike takes you deep into the Casentinesi Forests National Park, offering a true wilderness experience. You'll cover 8.9 miles (14.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1788 feet (545 metres), so be prepared for a challenging ascent. The journey, which typically takes around 5 hours and 36 minutes, leads you through dense forest where the sound of rushing water grows louder with every step. Your reward is the impressive Acquacheta waterfall, where the Montone river dramatically plunges 70 meters over a sandstone wall. The trail feels ancient, guiding you along paths that wind through old trees and past vibrant green pools formed by the waterfall.
You can begin this adventure directly from San Benedetto in Alpe, where convenient parking is available near the village center. The route follows path 407, which runs alongside the Acquacheta river for much of its length. Be aware that the trail surface varies, transitioning from natural forest paths to occasional gravel sections. It's wise to start early in the day to allow ample time to complete the 5-hour and 36-minute journey, especially given its difficult rating. Always check local conditions before you go, as weather can impact trail accessibility and safety in the mountains.
This trail is notable for its deep connection to history and literature, particularly its mention in Dante Alighieri's Inferno. In the 16th chapter, Dante compared the powerful rumble of the Acquacheta waters to the Flegetonte, a river of boiling blood. Along the way, you'll also discover the historic stone Molino dei Romiti, an old mill that once served an ancient hermitage. The route connects you to centuries of human history and the timeless beauty of the Apennine wilderness.
4.6
(46)
190
hikers
11.6km
05:19
710m
710m
Embark on a difficult hike through the Casentinesi Forests National Park, covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with a substantial elevation gain of 2345 feet (715 metres). This route, typically taking around 5 hours and 18 minutes, follows Trail 409 through ancient beech forests. You will discover hidden meadows bursting with colorful blooms and enjoy wide views over the protected woodlands, offering a true sense of immersion in nature.
Your journey starts in San Benedetto in Alpe, a village easily reached by car through the scenic Muraglione Pass. It is advisable to begin your hike early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and avoid the busiest times on the trail. Always check local conditions before you go, especially regarding weather and any potential seasonal closures that might affect access.
This trail is steeped in history, tracing a path once walked by Dante Alighieri during his exile in 1302. The ancient beech forests you traverse are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their ecological significance. You will also pass the ruins of an ancient hermitage at Piana dei Romiti, marking a site where San Romualdo founded a monastery over a thousand years ago.
3
hikers
13.1km
05:53
790m
790m
Hike the difficult Marradi Mountain Loop via Acquacheta Waterfall, a 8.2-mile route with 2584 feet of gain, taking nearly 6 hours.
Details
Informations
Elevation 750 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 9 June
25°C
14°C
33 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December