HIKING THROUGH THE 

“ABRUZZO LAZIO AND MOLISE NATIONAL PARK”

THE SECRETS OF ABRUZZO

 FONDILLO VALLEY- VALLEY OF CANNETO

A SPLENDID TRAIL IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT 

“FROM  FONDILLO VALLEY TO CANNETO VALLEY”

PERIOD:  OCTOBER

DIFFICULTY:  QUITE DIFFICULT

FONDILLO VALLEY  In the heart of the Abruzzo National Park (AQ)

Locality  distance  116 Km from  L’Aquila city

Coordinates: latitude 41°46'46.76"N - longitude 13°51'28.25''E

Altitude: 1085 meters o.s.l.. Round trip 15,13 km.

The place is reachable by taking the highway A24, exit at E80 / A25 towards Avezzano / Sora, exit at Aielli / Celano, following the signs for Celano / Trasacco, then taking the state roads  SS5 / Via Valeria Tiburtina / SR5, towards SS83 through the town of Opi, proceeding other three hundred meters until, on the right, you find Fondillo Valley (116 Km.) Or

-From Pescara by taking the E80 road/exit A25 towards Rome / Aquila, exit Pescina proceed towards Pescina, S.S. 83 to Fondillo Valley (136 km.) Or

-From Rome by taking Grande Raccordo Anulare for A24, exit E45 / A1 towards E35 / Firenze / Napoli, exit Ferentino, first exit SR214 dir. Alatri / Sora, exit for SR214 direction Alatri / Sora, S.S.83 to Fondillo Valley (160 Km.).

FONDILLO VALLEY (1006 m altitude) is one of the most beautiful and fascinating valleys of the Park with its centuries-old forests, crystal-clear waters and numerous protected animal species such as, the "Bruno Marsicano" bear (Marsica is a geographical area in the Abruzzo region), central Italy, the "Camoscio Appenninico" (Appenninous Camouflage), many Wolf families,  Deers, and numerous Smaller species.

Located between the towns of Opi and Villetta Barrea we arrive in the valley and leave the cars at the area of the resort “Val Fondillo”, right at its entrance, corresponding also to the starting point of our excursion.

If you want to enjoy the peaceful moments and the beautiful nature of the Park the month of October is the best or visiting it.

In addition to the five main springs, it is possible to meet many small streams that, with their water, good to drink, feed the Fondillo main stream.

An extensive network of paths, suitable for all, allows everyone to reach the most interesting points, both at the valley bottom and at the top of the mountains. Among them the "Tornareccia" stream,  the "Rifugio dei Briganti" (Refuge of the Brigands), the "Grotta delle Fate" (fairies cave), the "Passaggio dell'Orso" (Passage of the Bear), and Mount Amaro.

At the entrance of the valley, located in the former structures once used as beech wood processing center, a reception and information point that  provides information on routes and has numerous services: bar, mountain food, picnic area, horse riding, shooting with bow, bike renting, donkey riding, and even a forest museum.

FIRST STEPS

We begin a gentle climb following the footpath  heading towards Stazzo Val Fondillo (area where the cattle is gathered at night) and, after a while, leaving the first water springs we find on our left. This part of trail is very simple and peaceful.

The narrow valley, with altitudes between 1084m. and 1960m. o.s.l., is initially close to the “Grotte (Cave) Fondillo” site, then spreads out like a fan, flanked by Mount Amaro (1862) and Mount Dubbio (1702 m), which are connected by the great “Serra delle Gravare” (1960m.) and the “Colle dei Liscari” hill (1305m.).

While climbing the trail F2 “Passo dell’Orso” (Bear pass) along the Fondillo water spring which pours its clear waters into the Sangro river, on the left side, we notice some trouts in the stream.

THE SECRETS OF ABRUZZO

Both sides of the stream are dressed with a rich vegetation where we recognize the first beech and willow trees.

Continuing along the path F2, we notice several trees:  the black pine, the larch, and the spruce. Numerous clearings appear along the slopes of the valley.

FIRST STOP. THE CAVE OF THE FAIRIES (GROTTA DELLE FATE)

After a few km. uphill, about  halfway from the “Bear Pass” (Passo dell'Orso), we arrive at our first deviation situated on the left of the path for the Cave of the fairies (Grotta delle Fate).  The long beech tree roots on the side of the trail, used as a stairway, will lead at the  stream and to the cave: a low and long cavity, and due to this dry season, we didn’t find much water in the creek. Here we make the first stop and enjoy the surroundings.

MOVING FORWARD TO THE PASS

Back on the track for about 5 km. it continues to be easy and well identifiable; while for the next 2 km. due to the slope rise, with a height difference of about 70 m., it gets difficult. The last five hundred meters across the woods are quite challenging because, the steep path is sometimes unrecognizable.

A few meters from the pass, we can locate an old charcoal area. It’s the place where the coalmen burned the timber once it was cut and arranged.

The charcoal area is now in disuse. In the past  it was used for making coal. With conical shape it was filled with lumber and once the fire was put, it was covered with earth. Then, lateral holes were made used  for letting out the smoke and allowing slow combustion without allowing the wood to burn completely.

SECOND STOP. THE MOUNTAIN PASS

After a few dozens of meters we move on the above mentioned “Pass of the Bear” (Passo dell'Orso) on 1682 m.o.s.l. where we make our second stop. This passageway has been used for centuries by shepherds and by pilgrims who wanted to reach the region Lazio and backwards, traveling from and to the towns of Pescasseroli or  Opi  going to the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Canneto in the valley with the same name.

Here we eat and rest conscious that, from now,  begins the long descent towards the sanctuary. Downhill and along the borders of Abruzzo and Lazio, heading into the Canneto valley and admiring the enchanting landscape that appears around us.

This part of the trail is stony and winding so we  pay  attention, crossing the slopes of Mount Petroso to the turgid springs of the Melfa River.

All the natural beauties of the Park are touched by this crossing trail.

At this point, not far from “Casone (Big House) Bartolomucci”, we reach what remains of an old rural building on the edge of the stream. The old building isn’t far from our trail, which is now beginning to lose the appearance of a mountain trail and appearing more like a dirt wagon road.

THIRD STOP.  THE SHELTER OF ACQUANERA

Hidden in the woods on a grassy area along the right side of our trail, we reach the shelter BLACK WATER  (Rifugio Acquanera) and since we aren’t in a hurry, we decide to make a last-minute break at the refuge and to enjoy the last moments in this beech forest.

ARRIVAL AT THE SANCTUARY

Once back on the trail we realize that sometimes the creek runs low compared to the trail  level, other times runs at the same level after some large hairpin bends, which allow the creek water to descend without strokes: at one hairpin we found ponds and waterfalls of crystalline water.

Continuing  along the dirt road, at a certain point we reach a road bar. It’s the sign that we are leaving the beautiful beech forest.

Overcoming the house of Salesian missionaries  the descent continues.

The path for us ends not far from the sanctuary of Our Lady of Canneto.

         We started trekking on the trail at 8:55 am in the morning, tiered after this long journey, but satisfied for the successful hike and the wonderful day, walking the last few meters  under the shade of the beech trees  at 15:50 we move our last footsteps. The arrival Point isn’t far from the sanctuary of the Madonna del Canneto.

*If you’re a member of our site don’t forget to download my free KML file and the specific file, reserved for only members, on the excursion. You’ll be able to see the trail on Google Earth or your Garmin G.P.S. and android too.

For the moment everyone can also download the reserved for only members files, but it won't be for long..join in our FREE membership.

It is worth dealing with a little effort  to bring home a great experience.

Giuseppe Libero

 THE SECRETS OF ABRUZZO

UNDERNEATH ENJOY A SHORT PHOTO PRESENTATION THAT GIVES AN IDEA ON THE PATH AND THE NATURAL BEAUTIES OF ITS SURROUNDINGS.

Giuseppe Libero