A FULL-NATURE TREK: MONTE CUCCO PARK

• Technical info: Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 300 m; Distance: 8 km
  The Monte Cucco Regional Park is a stunning natural heritage site, home to numerous Natura 2000 habitats. The trek will feature breathtaking landscapes, including gorges, limestone cliffs, grasslands, and beech forests interspersed with yews and holly.

The hike begins at Pian delle Macinare meadows, following the Italia 225 trail through the evocative woods of Monte Cucco. Descending along the northeast slope, we’ll pass the Rio Freddo gorge, one of the most significant gorges in the Umbria-Marche Apennines. The route then leads to Val di Ranco, continuing along a beautiful path toward the “Mother of Beeches,” a centuries-old forest with majestic trees forming an enchanting and fairy-tale atmosphere.

Walking through these woods is like entering a magical world, rich with unique natural scenery, interplay of light and shadow from the thick canopy, and awe-inspiring views. This park is renowned for its underground rivers, pristine streams, ancient beech forests, and karst caves. With over 30 km of galleries and depths reaching nearly 100 m, its cave systems offer exploration opportunities both underground and from above, as the area is one of Europe’s top paragliding sites.

Return to the venue, debriefing, and dinner.

TREK & HERMITAGES: MONTE SUBASIO

• Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 400 m; Distance: 10 km
  Drive to Assisi and park at the Eremo delle Carceri, the starting and ending point of the circular hiking route.

Monte Subasio Regional Park spans approximately 7,500 hectares in the heart of Umbria, east of Assisi. It is characterized by diverse vegetation types, including grasslands, beech forests, juniper formations, and reforested areas, all protected within the Natura 2000 network. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, weasels, badgers, and martens. Birds of prey such as the tawny owl, barn owl, golden eagle, kestrel, and peregrine falcon can also be observed.

Starting from the serene Eremo delle Carceri (800 m), the trail leads through lush holm oak forests before reaching the summit grasslands of Monte Subasio. At the Sassopiano Cross (1,124 m), hikers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Umbrian valley and Assisi before descending to complete the loop back to the hermitage.

The Franciscan Eremo delle Carceri is one of the park’s most fascinating historical sites. Located at 800 meters on the slopes of Subasio, just 5 km from Assisi, the complex includes natural caves likely used by hermits since the early Christian era. A centuries-old holm oak at the hermitage is tied to a legend about Saint Francis, who is said to have preached to birds from this tree—a scene often depicted in art.

After the hike, we’ll visit the hermitage and the city of Assisi.

Return to the venue and dinner.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: ORIENTEERING IN THE VILLAGE OF PALE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
The village of Pale, located about 10 km from Foligno in the Altolina area, sits near the Menotre River. This small river maintains a steady flow year-round, cascading naturally through a nearby gorge. The area is rich in historical, artistic, natural, and scenic attractions.

We’ll explore the village and its surroundings through an exciting orienteering challenge—a sport originating in early 20th-century Scandinavia. Equipped with a compass and a specially designed topographic map, participants must complete a designated course by reaching specific control points (lanterns) as quickly as possible. The activity can be done individually or in teams.

Orienteering perfectly blends physical and mental activity, requiring focus, map-reading skills, strategic planning, and decision-making to navigate efficiently based on physical ability. Fun for all ages, this game is a great way to test your skills. Ready, set, go!

Return to the venue, lunch, certificate awards, and … see you on the trails!