Hike the Rocche Highlands, unmissable mountain destination in Abruzzo

Abruzzo, celebrated by travelers passionate about hiking and exploration as one of the best green destinations not to be missed, is home to one of the most fascinating and wild mountain environments in the entire Apennines, spanning over a third of the entire territory across multiple national and regional parks.

Here hiking isn't just sport, it's life, a desire to experience new sensations. Trekking and mountain biking find their perfect habitat in Abruzzo, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore in ever-changing ways this enchanting and picturesque land, which changes skin following seasons. And today we want to join you on a discovery of newest, unmissable mountain destination in this splendid region: the Sirente Velino Park, where the unparalleled adventure of the magnificent Rocche Highlands awaits you.

This unique area, located at over 1200 meters above sea level in the heart of the province of L'Aquila, offers an ideal balance between mountain terrain, wooded areas and historic villages. A land of places and emotions that invites slow, mindful exploration, far from the clichés of mass tourism, making every step - and every meter of cycling - an experience of profound discovery with a unique flavor.

The hiking options on the Rocche Highlands, a major landmark in the Sirente Velino area encompassing the villages of Rocca di Cambio, Rocca di Mezzo and Ovindoli, are many and well-structured. The whole park boasts an extensive and recently renovated trail network, with over 600 kilometers of marked trails, hiking routes and scenic cycle paths.

Venturing onto the Rocche Highlands means immersing yourself in an ecosystem where man and nature still share the same spaces without altering or overpowering one another, a world of discovery, wonder and passion that prioritizes active exploration. A winning formula that, no surprise, sees Abruzzo at the forefront of a new frontier in sustainable luxury and adventure travel within the Italian tourism scene.

We've selected some of the most beautiful hiking trails on the Rocche Highlands, which you can also easily tackle by bike:

- Piani di Pezza/Rifugio Sebastiani (Trail 1A), a classic hike from Piani di Pezza (about 1500 meters) to Capo Pezza (Rocca di Mezzo), through beech forests and reaching the refuge at over 2000 meters, a relatively easy scenic route ideal for enjoying the views;

- Anello Monte Cagno/Monte Ocre/Monte Cefalone, a medium-to-high difficulty hike from Rocca di Cambio, 14-17 km long with an elevation gain of 900-1180 meters, crossing panoramic ridges with breathtaking views of the Rocche Highlands and Gran Sasso;

- Rifugio Sebastiani/Colle dell'Orso, a scenic hiking trail on the heights above Piani di Pezza, about 9-10 km long, quite challenging but rewarding with stunning views of Mount Velino;

- Colle Marino/Altopiano delle Rocche Trail, a circular path starting from Rocca di Mezzo, 11.3 km long and with an elevation gain of approximately 160 meters, suitable for a light 2-3 hour walk and for less experienced hikers;

- Rocca di Cambio/Monte Cagno "Dinosaur Footsteps" Trail, approximately 14.5 km long with an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters (its peak is around 1900 meters) and a two-hour hike, considered difficult due to its steep gradient and sometimes the lack of well-marked sections; its name originates from the presence of fossilized footprints of theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous age (approximately 125-113 million years ago);

- Routes 9D and 10 Ovindoli/Valle Calcara/Monte Magnola, a hiking trail uphill for approximately 13 km with an elevation gain of approximately 1000 meters, leading to the peak of the mountain overlooking the village of Ovindoli;

- Rovere/Rifugio La Vecchia (Monte Sirente), an 8 km loop trail with approximately 500 meters elevation gain, suitable even for hiking beginners;

- Rocca di Mezzo/Rovere/Ovindoli Altopiano delle Rocche Cycle Path, an easy 20-25 km round-trip cycle/pedestrian route, also suitable for families (minimum elevation gain of around 100 meters on mostly plain ground), which passes through Piani di Pezza and the wooded landscapes of the highlands (beech woods).

The Rocche Highlands is also famous for its equestrian tradition, an alternative exploration experience that combines the adrenaline rush of mountain biking and the pleasant effort of trekking with exciting horseback excursions along specifically designed trails.

Each time of the year gives Rocche Highlands a unique feeling, requiring a specific careful and varied planning to make the most of each season.

In winter, for example, this area transforms into a kingdom shrouded in the whitest snow: in particular, the locations of Ovindoli-Monte Magnola and Campo Felice become charming and uncrowded destinations for skiers and snowboarders, while for hiking enthusiasts it's time to try snowshoeing exploration.

Spring instead is the season of balsamic rebirth, full of scents and colors: with the melting snow and the arrival of increasingly bright and sunny days, the air fills with the essences of high-altitude blooms (especially daffodils), and exploring areas like Campo Felice on foot or by bike in this season guarantees total immersion in what can be described as an authentic natural botanical garden.

In summer Rocche Highlands is a perfect refuge from the heat of the city: temperatures remain cool and pleasant, even during the day, making it ideal for tackling even the most challenging hiking trails (e.g., Colle Orso/Velino and Mount Cagno) and venturing into the tranquility of shaded paths.

Finally, autumn offers adventurers of the Rocche Highlands the spectacle of foliage, which here in the mountains is extremely intense: the beech forests light up with elegant and warm hues, like yellow, orange, gold and purple, transforming every hike into a feast for the eyes and the perfect subject for nature photography enthusiasts.

Rocche Highlands are located in the province of L'Aquila, nestled between Mount Velino and Mount Sirente massifs. Its strategic location makes it a destination easily accessible by car from the main cities of Central Italy.

For those traveling from Rome, the best route is the A24 highway (Rome-L'Aquila-Teramo). You can exit at Tornimparte and continue on the SS696 following the signs for Campo Felice/Rocca di Cambio/Rocca di Mezzo.

For those coming from the adriatic coast, and therefore from Pescara, we recommend the A25 highway (Torano-Pescara) taking the exit at Aielli/Celano. From here, following the scenic road that climbs the slopes of the highlands (SS696), you reach Ovindoli in just a few kilometers, thus entering the Rocche area from the south rather than from the north.

The internal road system by car within the area of the Rocche Highlands, and more generally within Sirente Velino Park, is intuitive and well-maintained - despite the geographical difficulties of the territory - and offers panoramic views that make the journey itself part of the tourist experience.

Visiting Rocche Highlands and Sirente Velino Park means embracing a new travel philosophy, more mindful, sustainable and active, testimony to an Abruzzo that even after great adversities, such as the 2009 earthquake, has proven resilient and even more inspiring for travelers.

Unlike other renowned mountain destinations in Abruzzo, which are beginning to suffer from overtourism, this land has managed to preserve a deeply human dimension and an almost sacred respect for the environment. It's no coincidence that Sirente Velino is proudly the true Europe's first green community, a recognition that highlights its tangible commitment to protecting its natural heritage, energy efficiency and promoting a circular economy that enhances the region.

Visiting destinations like these, regardless of the season, is the best way to support a community that has made caring for its land a mission. Here you'll find the best of Abruzzo hospitality and easy access to the region's most vibrant and lush nature, in the absolute tranquility of a top destination yet to be fully experienced: pack your hiking boots and/or mountain bike gear, a roomy backpack and a lot of spirit of adventure, your appointment with active mountain wellness awaits you at the Rocche Highlands!