Serra delle Ciavole Trail, Pollino National Park
Serra delle Ciavole Trail, Pollino National Park
Highlight • Trail
Serra delle Ciavole Trail, Pollino National Park
Hiking
5.0
(13)
Running
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Parco Nazionale del Pollino
Tips
March 15, 2023
Hiking
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Serra delle Ciavole Trail, Pollino National Park
4.5
(4)
17
hikers
15.0km
04:54
600m
600m
Embark on a moderate hiking adventure through the Serra delle Ciavole, a 9.3-mile (15.0 km) ring tour in the Pollino National Park. This route features a significant 1952 feet (595 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 54 minutes to complete. You will traverse dense beech and fir forests before reaching vast open plains like Piano Toscano and Piano di Jannace. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes rockier, leading to high-altitude meadows and outcrops, where ancient Loricato pines, twisted by centuries of wind, stand as natural monuments. The southern summit of Serra delle Ciavole offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Gulf of Sibari and other prominent peaks.
While generally considered moderate, some sections of the trail involve steep, wooded slopes that can be slippery and stony, requiring good training and sure footing. The difficulty can vary depending on the specific path you choose, with certain itineraries to the summit rated for expert hikers. The plains transform into pastures for livestock in summer, but are covered in snow during winter, so plan your visit accordingly for the best conditions.
This trail is renowned as one of the most evocative mountaineering itineraries in the Pollino range, home to some of Europe's oldest living trees, including the over 1230-year-old "Italus" pine. Serra delle Ciavole is one of the highest peaks in the park and is recognized as a Site of Community Interest and part of a UNESCO GEOPARK. The presence of these magnificent, ancient Pinus leucodermis, some appearing as preserved "pinosaurs," makes this route a truly unique experience.
4.5
(10)
30
hikers
16.1km
05:40
810m
810m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
11.5km
04:45
940m
940m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,160 m
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Thursday 20 August
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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