Gran Sasso d'Italia bridle path
It's a path of about 300 km, to discover and know the natural and cultural features of Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park. The path goes around Gran Sasso massif, on tracks, bike paths, and mule tracks, passing through hills, plateaus and high mountain environments, woods and middle-age hamlets.
The whole trail, formed by several tracks and enriched by a net of secondary path and smaller trails, needs some days to be tackled and some good training.
Water points, drinkers and fountains have been restored all along the path, spotting also brand-new sings to point out all natural, historical, architectural and archeological highlights, as well as shelter, hostels and local food specialties. Rest and stop areas suitable to host horses have also been created, as Paladini resort ( in Crognaleto municipality), provided with 50 bed guest house, restaurant, information point and stable hosting up to 10 horses.
The bridle path eventually links together farm guesthouses and horse club, promoting the development of private services to provide better accommodation for both horsemen and horses. Bridle paths and tracks may also be used for walks or mountain bike rides.
The path
On the Teramo mountain side the most interesting stretch is the one that serves the north slopes of Gran Sasso d'Italia towards the east until Rigopiano, and towards Nerito and Cortino until the Laga mountains on the other way, connecting to the Aquila side paths that pass through valleys and medium quota plains among Campotosto lake, Voltigno plateau and Capestrano
Unlike Teramo's paths, the path on Aquila side is much more dedicated to remark the environment and the land, pointing out especially the many historical and artistic highlights including hamlets, castles, abbeys and fortresses. As for the ancient Baronia di Carapelle, with the famous hamlets of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Castel del Monte, Calascio, Barisciano, and many powerful towns as Capestrano, well known for its Italic warrior. However some attractions of high natural interest are present on this side too, as Campotosto lake or Vasto valley, close to the wonderful Chiarino Valley, laying between Aquila and Teramo provinces.
The linking path to Pescara area passes through Rigopiano valley, under the imposing north face of Camicia mountain, wonderful background to the quaint hamlet of Castelli. It connects to the Aquila side touching incredibly beautiful places as Angri Valley, hosting chamois, the fauna zone of the Park and Farindola, well-known for its legendary pecorino cheese.
Bridle path routes