The Caselli waterfall and the Renzano forest

The starting point of the trail is signposted at the entrance to the reserve and can be reached by footpath (approx. 1.7 km) or dirt road (approx. 2.5 km) open to traffic only on certain weekends, and for a maximum of 25 cars. We recommend avoiding the section of the route that leads to the Sterza stream after heavy rain days.

The WATERFALL CAN ALSO BE REACHED WITHOUT WALKING THE ENTIRE ROUTE; FROM THE ENTRANCE TO THE RESERVE FOLLOW THE STRAIGHT ROAD KEEPING LEFT AT THE ONLY CROSSROAD. The walk’s overall length is …. Kilometres.

The route starts from the Caselli small lake, the only real wet area of the Reserve, which played a strategic role for the ecology and the fauna. The route will then lead you to the Fattoria di Caselli, located at the centre of the Conti della Gherardesca estate, which today houses reception services and facilities to help enjoy the Reserve in a sustainable way.

The stables, a small castle and small church with an adjoining cemetery are parts of the original structure that have been preserved. Descending rapidly to the dirt road of the Reserve you can cross the small bridge over the Rivivo stream and, surrounded by a luxuriant turkey oak wood at the bottom of the valley you will then skirt along the Sterza up until the point where its roaring waters, in rainy days, will signal the presence of a beautiful waterfall, which you can reach by a short diversion.

Leaving the stream, the forest road climbs up through the Renzano wood, an uncommon forest in this climate, where, alongside the turkey oak, ash, apple and field elm grow, favoured by damp soils rich in resurgent water. A downhill path then leads back to the Sterza stream, which can be forded near the confluence with the Rivivo, and then you can take the way back walking along a beautiful turkey oak wood.

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.