Depending on the starting point chosen for the hike, it is about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Caporciano. Again, we simply mention a couple of possible routes, referring you to the many printed and online guides.

Orfento Valley

Near Caramanico Terme is the Orfento Valley, which boasts a rich biodiversity heritage, so much so that it is recommended by “Nature” magazine. The Orfento Valley offers trails for all levels and ages, lasting from 2 to 8 hours.

STAIRWAY TRAIL

One of the most famous hikes in the entire Majella National Park. The Orfento Gorges present wonderful natural environments that are absolutely worth seeing, but also very special places of historical interest.

Rather long route but can be divided into 2 variants: a shorter one to Vallone Bridge, the other longer one to Pietre Bridge.

Trail always obvious and marked, easy terrain, plenty of shade. The trail explores the deep gorge carved by the stream over millions of years.

Start from the Park Visitor Center, following the always clear and obvious signs. First part, up to the Vallone Bridge, on a fairly monotonous path, first uphill then semi-flat. From the Ponte del Vallone we continue to the Ponte delle Pietre, first on a common stretch with the trail we will take on the way back, then deviating to the right on the Ponte di San Benedetto. Here begins the most beautiful part of the hike, through a beautiful cool and quiet beech forest that runs alongside the Orfento creating spectacular gorges and waterfalls.

You pass through the Grotto of St. Nicholas, where you will need to help yourself to a steel cable (an easy passage, but one that could pose some problems for those who suffer from vertigo) and continue up through the forest on sometimes rough but always fairly easy terrain to the Bridge of Stones.

Here you cross the Orfento with an overlook to a spectacular, deep rift where at the bottom you can hear the stream flowing. Continue after the bridge, climbing for a few dozen meters, then deviating to the left on a small path that climbs in the opposite direction. Continue climbing among beech trees and rocks in fairy environments until you reach the fork for the ruins of the hermitage of Sant’Onofrio. Continue downhill and rejoin the section of trail already taken on the outward journey, continuing to the Vallone Bridge.

From here we continue on the same side, without crossing the stream, on a path that makes one somewhat regret the previous environments. Fortunately, you soon reach the “Scalelle” area, where the Orfento returns to draw spectacular environments with waterfalls, rocky gorges and several crossings over beautiful wooden bridges.