Discover the most beautiful trails just steps from the campsite
Camping Le Foci is set in one of the most enchanting areas of Italy: the Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park. A protected territory where nature takes centre stage, home to bears, wolves, chamois, and golden eagles. From here, some of the park’s most scenic trails begin or can be easily reached. Here are 10 hiking routes for every level, from relaxing walks to more challenging treks.
1. Val Fondillo – Nature for all
Val Fondillo is a must if you’re staying at the campsite. It’s a biodiversity-rich valley with a clear stream, ancient beech woods, meadows, and springs. The trails are well-marked and suitable for families and prams. Expect to see squirrels, foxes, and, with a bit of luck, deer. Don't miss the “Tornareccia” spring.
📍 Distance: 5 minutes by car
🟢 Level: easy
2. Monte Marsicano – High-altitude wilderness
At 2,245 metres, Marsicano is one of the park’s iconic peaks. The hike is demanding but spectacular, with a long climb through woods and ridgelines. From the summit, you get a 360° view over the Marsica region. Start early and bring plenty of water.
📍 Starts from the campsite
🔴 Level: hard – approx. 6–7 hours round trip
3. Monte Amaro di Opi – A panoramic Abruzzo
Close to the campsite, this 1,862 m mountain offers a steady and scenic climb. The trail crosses open pastures and wildflower meadows, with views over the village of Opi and the Sangro Valley. Great for intermediate hikers.
📍 Starts from Val Fondillo
🟡 Level: medium – approx. 2.5 hours round trip
4. Macchiarvana – The kingdom of beech trees
A wide plateau at 1,600 m surrounded by ancient beech forests. Peace reigns here, broken only by the wind in the branches. Perfect for snowshoeing in winter and cool walks in summer. A truly timeless place.
📍 Distance: 15 minutes by car
🟢 Level: easy to medium
5. La Camosciara – The wild heart of the Park
A protected area since 1923, it symbolises wildlife conservation in the park. Trails lead to waterfalls, springs, and vertical limestone walls home to the Apennine chamois. Also accessible by bike or tourist trains.
📍 Distance: 10 minutes by car
🟢🟡 Level: varies
6. Forca d’Acero – A pass between two regions
A mountain pass at 1,600 m between Lazio and Abruzzo, just a few minutes from the campsite. A starting point for many trails across woods, pastures, and ridges. In autumn, the foliage here is breathtaking. Great for short walks or multi-day hikes.
📍 Distance: 15 minutes by car
🟡 Level: medium
7. Val di Rose – The chamois trail
One of the best routes for spotting wildlife. The well-maintained path climbs through clearings and scree slopes, with panoramic viewpoints and wildlife observation areas along the way. Hiking boots and good fitness are required.
📍 Start: Civitella Alfedena
🔴 Level: medium to hard
8. Sentiero del Cuore – A view over Opi
A short but poetic trail. It starts just outside Opi and leads to a hilltop viewpoint over the village and surrounding peaks. Ideal for sunset photos or a picnic in the grass.
📍 Start: from Opi
🟢 Level: easy
9. Val Cervara Loop – Among Europe’s oldest beech forests
Walking in Val Cervara feels like entering a green cathedral. Some trees are over 500 years old. This loop trail is well-marked and rarely crowded, ideal for those seeking peace and a deep connection with nature. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
📍 Access: from Villavallelonga
🟡 Level: medium
10. Lago Vivo – A mountain mirror
A longer but rewarding trek. The trail leads to a seasonal alpine lake nestled between rocky slopes — one of the most photographed spots in the park. Best from May to October. In warm weather, bring a hat and sunscreen: the final stretch is fully exposed.
📍 Start: Barrea
🔴 Level: demanding – approx. 5–6 hours round trip
🧭 Practical tips
- Best season: late April to October (in winter, only with snow gear and a guide)
- Trail signage: all park trails are numbered (e.g. I1, K6…) and well maintained
- Equipment: hiking boots, backpack with water, light jacket, map (available at reception)
- Wildlife: do not feed animals
- Hiking ethics: stay on trails, leave no waste, respect the silence of the forest
Hiking near Camping Le Foci is an authentic way to explore the in the Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park.. Every step is an immersion into wild, unspoiled landscapes where nature still reigns.
👉 Have you picked your favourite trail yet? Come and visit us!
