The route begins along an ancient dirt road winding through a beautiful beech forest. Walking among centuries-old trees, you can breathe in an atmosphere of peace and freshness, accompanied by the scent of the undergrowth and birdsong. At the end of the dirt section, after a short zig-zag, the trail gradually emerges from the forest, offering the first panoramic views of the majestic mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
The trail then reaches the Stazzo dell’Affogata at an altitude of 1,869 meters—an ancient shepherds’ shelter where, in the past, flocks were brought to graze during the summer transhumance. From here the view is spectacular, with a full 360-degree panorama embracing the Mainarde Mountains, the Monti della Meta, the Balzi della Camosciara, Monte Petroso, Monte Marsicano and all the peaks surrounding Pescasseroli.
The path continues across wide high-altitude meadows, passes another stazzo and then begins a gentle descent. As elevation is lost, the view opens even further and Lake Barrea comes into sight, nestled in the valley below.
Lunch is planned in a scenic clearing, with a breathtaking view over the lake and surrounding mountains. The descent then continues through a long series of forest switchbacks, gradually losing elevation, until reaching Villetta Barrea, where the hike ends.