Meeting at 9:00 am at the Barrea Tourist Office or at 9:15 am at the upper parking area of Civitella Alfedena.The Integral Nature Reserve of Camosciara aims to preserve the natural environment in its purest form. The impressive rocky amphitheatre, made of limestone and dolomite, creates a unique landscape of ledges, streams, and waterfalls flowing through centuries-old beech and black pine forests. This area is also home to some of the Park’s rarest plant species, including Pinguicola Vallis Regia and the Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
The trail is not demanding. In the first section, we climb to a panoramic hill—a natural balcony offering clear autumn views over the Vallis Regia, its villages, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.
Continuing onward, the landscape gradually changes and the unmistakable profile of Camosciara appears as a great rocky amphitheatre, known as the Little Dolomites of Abruzzo. After a short break, we begin the descent.
Down in the valley, the sound of the Scerto Stream grows stronger. Within the autumn beech forest, the water flows over rocky drops and small waterfalls. An easy stretch leads to the waterfalls, the heart of Camosciara, where the stream originates. Lunch break and return along the ancient drove road that once connected Pescasseroli with Candela, in the Tavoliere delle Puglie.
In the past, this area was cultivated; today, with the end of traditional farming, it is used only for grazing. The route crosses chalky terrain shaped by water, which flows abundantly on the surface in autumn. Dry-stone walls and rural traces tell the story of this landscape before returning to the parking area.
