The Ophiolites of Poggio Donato

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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.

The route is part of the 7 Sentieri Natura delle Riserve Naturali (Nature Trails of the Nature Reserves) and it features a guidebook describing a series of marked and numbered points of interest along the way.

The route crosses almost all the natural environments of the Caselli Forest: from the small lake, with the surrounding agricultural areas, to the reforestations, then the cool and damp gorges, up to the dry and “lunar” garrigue of Poggio Donato.

During the trip it is possible to reach some of the most remote and wild places of the Reserve; the strong “wilderness” nature of some areas is one of the most interesting elements of this forest. From the access area near the Caselli pond, the path crosses a slope where traces of ancient and recent human activity (such as vast reforestations, pastures and cultivations) are evident.

After crossing a small ridge, the trail enters the forest and then, after a short diversion, reaches the Rivivo stream gorge. From here, a steep climb through a luxuriant holm oak wood leads to the typical garrigue of ophiolites, the peculiarly beautiful environment of the summit and the ridge of Poggio Donato. The easy way back to the lake will let you go through all these amazing environments again.

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.