The Caselli waterfall and the Renzano forest

Il punto di partenza del percorso è segnalato all’ingresso della Riserva ed è raggiungibile con sentiero (circa 1,7 km) o strada sterrata (circa 2,5 km) aperta  al traffico solo in alcuni fine settimana, per massimo 25 auto.

Subito dopo piogge intense, sconsigliato  il tratto di sentiero che guada il torrente Sterza.
IMPORTANT NOTICE OF 24/10/2023: the path that leads to the waterfall of toll booths, in the final part of the steps, is blocked by trees and trunks, certainly brought by Saturday’s flood, making the passage difficult and dangerous for the visitors

LA CASCATA  PUO’ ESSERE RAGGIUNTA ANCHE SENZA PERCORRERE TUTTO L’ITINERARIO; DALL’INGRESSO DELLA RISERVA SEGUIRE LA STRADA STERRATA TENENDO LA SINISTRA ALL’UNICO INCROCIO PRESENTE. La passeggiata è lunga km………

Il percorso parte dal laghetto di Caselli, unica vera area umida della Riserva, dal ruolo ecologico strategico per la fauna.

Si giunge alla bella Fattoria di Caselli,  posta al centro della vasta tenuta dei Conti Della Gherardesca, che oggi ospita servizi per l’accoglienza e la fruizione sostenibile della Riserva. Dell’originaria struttura si conservano le scuderie, il castelletto e la piccola chiesa con cimitero annesso.

Scendendo rapidamente fino alla strada sterrata della Riserva, si oltrepassa il ponticello sul torrente Rivivo e, avvolti in una rigogliosa cerreta di fondovalle, si costeggia lo Sterza, fin dove il fragore delle sue acque, nei periodi piovosi, ci segnala la presenza di una bellissima cascata, raggiungibile con una breve diramazione.

Lasciato il torrente, la strada forestale risale il bosco di Renzano, foresta non comune in questo clima dove, accanto al cerro, crescono frassino ossifillo, melo e olmo campestre, favoriti da suoli umidi e ricchi d’acqua risorgiva.

Un sentiero in discesa permette poi di ritornare fino al Torrente Sterza, da guadare nei pressi della confluenza con il Rivivo, per poi lasciarsi accompagnare da una bella cerreta nel prendere la via del ritorno.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.