The Monte Alpe Nature Reserve is a true jewel of Italian biodiversity and landscape. This 328-hectare reserve provides a safe haven for a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and scholars.
The reserve is not only a sanctuary for flora and fauna, but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and discover the beauty of the area through a network of trails that vary in difficulty and characteristics.
The paths in the Monte Alpe Nature Reserve offer a varied hiking experience, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Among them, some trails are easy and scenic, ideal for a relaxing walk, while others are more challenging and require a certain degree of physical fitness and, in some cases, the presence of an experienced guide. Each path has its own particular uniqueness, both in terms of landscape and natural features.
Sentiero della Faina: An Educational Loop Trail
The Weasel Trail is one of the most accessible and educational trails in the reserve. This hiking-educational trail runs in a loop, starting from the SS 461, a short distance from the Torrone stream. The starting point is easy to find thanks to the presence of a nearby service area, which makes this trail particularly convenient for visitors. Along the way, walkers can enjoy a series of information panels describing the local flora and fauna, offering an educational as well as recreational experience.
Sentiero del Bricchetto: Discovering the Watershed
Starting from the SS 461, the Bricchetto Trail follows the watershed on the orographic right side of the Rio Chiappetta. The trail gradually climbs to the base of the Poggioli d‘Alpe, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the entire reserve. This path is ideal for those seeking a more demanding but not too difficult walk, with the possibility of immersing themselves in lush, unspoilt nature.
Sentiero dei Ponti: A Connecting Trail
The Sentiero dei Ponti (Bridges‘ Path) is a route that connects the Sentiero della Faina (Weasel Path) with the Sentiero del Bricchetto (Bricchetto Path). This itinerary is particularly interesting for those who wish to explore several trails in one day, offering a natural transition between two main routes. The trail passes through dense forests and offers numerous viewpoints, making it a fascinating and varied route.
Sentiero della Blusa: A Walk through History and Nature
The Sentiero della Blusa (Blusa Path) starts just upstream from the rest area and car park along the SS 461 and crosses an area that still bears the signs of a terrible fire that occurred in 1980. This trail is a journey through the recent history of Monte Alpe, where reforestation following the fire has given rise to new ecosystems. The trail connects at the top of the slope with the Costa d‘Alpe road, offering a fascinating insight into the process of natural regeneration.
Sentiero Vecchia Mulattiera: On the Traces of the Past
The Sentiero Vecchia Mulattiera is perhaps one of the most fascinating trails in the reserve, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical significance. This trail follows the old mule track that starts at the beginning of the Monte Alpe road and winds along the eastern ridge of the mountain until it reaches the summit. To walk on this path is to follow in the footsteps of those who, centuries ago, used this route to move between the mountains. The panorama from the summit is simply spectacular, offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills and the valley below.
