Tra la Cima Pizzo Falcone e il Monte Santa Croce - giro ad anello nel Parco Nazionale del Pollino

This difficult mountain biking loop, "Tra la Cima Pizzo Falcone e il Monte Santa Croce", takes you through the diverse landscapes of Pollino National Park. You will cover 14.1 miles (22.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3943 feet (1202 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Expect varied and demanding terrain, from fine gravel to technical singletrack, often requiring you to push your bike over large rocks, especially on the ascent to Monte Santa Croce. As you ride, you will pass through ancient beech woods and high-altitude plains, with exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding Pollino peaks from the summits of Pizzo Falcone and Monte Santa Croce. The route also traverses beautiful areas like contrada Prastio, where you might see grazing sheep.

This route is considered a hard mountain bike ride, requiring very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for sections where pushing or carrying your bike is necessary, particularly on the crest between the peaks and during the climb to Monte Santa Croce. The general mountain biking in Pollino National Park features dolomitic ridges, dense forests, and deep canyons, offering a dynamic environment. Plan your visit carefully, as the challenging nature of the trail means you should allow ample time for completion.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its combination of demanding technical riding with breathtaking natural beauty within Italy's largest national park. It offers a true wilderness experience in this UNESCO Global Geopark. The route provides an opportunity to traverse prominent peaks like Pizzo Falcone (1900m) and Monte Santa Croce (1893m), revealing expansive vistas that are largely unobstructed. The diversity of ecosystems, from dense forests to exposed ridges and high-altitude pastures, ensures a constantly changing and engaging visual experience.