Trekking to the Garden of the Gods in the Pollino National Park

Take part in one of the most beautiful excursions in the Pollino National Park and visit the Garden of the Gods, a splendid old-growth forest of loricate pines.

You will walk along paths and cart tracks through splendid beech forests, wide plains and boundless landscapes surrounded by peaks exceeding 2,000 metres, in the heart ofItaly's largest protected area.

Prepare yourself for a crescendo of emotions: in the company of a certified guide who is in love with his territory, you will be able to touch with your hands and heart centuries-old trees that will reconcile you with the world.

What we will do

The meeting with the guide will take place at Campotenese, in Morano Calabro (CS). From here we will move by car to reach Colle Impiso in about 40 minutes, the starting point of the trekking route. We will take the Carbonai path to reach Vaquarro, the first plateau of karstic origin surrounded by Mount Pollino and the Serra del Prete.

Then we will continue uphill to reach Piano Toscano, at an altitude of 1,800 metres. Here the scenery is grandiose: we will have a panoramic view of the higher levels of the Pollino, including Serra Dolcedorme, the highest mountain in thesouthern Apennines.

After a well-deserved rest, we will continue the walk with our eyes turned upwards so as not to miss the chance to spot the griffon vulture or thegolden eagle. Arriving at an altitude of 1,900 m, we will encounter "I Gendarmi", large Loricated pines that are 350 years old. Then we will pay a visit to ' Zi' Peppe', the loricate pine that inspired the Pollino Park logo, and finally arrive in the famous Garden of the Gods.

We will walk through the forest formed by over 100-year-old trees that only survive in the Pollino and the Balkan Peninsula. In the shade of these giants, we will stop for a picnic lunch and some relaxation in nature. Afterwards, we will return by taking the same route back or a loop variation, which the guide will assess according to circumstances.

In total, the activity will last about 8 hours for a 500 metre difference in altitude.

Who it is aimed at

The activity is of medium difficulty, suitable for everyone with a minimum of training. No special skills are required. The minimum age required is 10 years, provided that children are used to walking.

Other information

The activity can be carried out from April to December and is confirmed upon reaching 5 participants, weather permitting.

Recommended clothing

• seasonally appropriate layered clothing
• windbreaker or k-way
• hiking shoes
• clothing for windy and/or rainy weather (k-way and/or poncho) and/or severe weather

Don't forget to bring

• packed lunch
• water (at least one litre)
• sun cream
• insect repellent
• hat
• camera
• trekking poles (optional)
• spare shirt