Sibillini Nature Trail N16 at Tribbio: Route, Difficulty and Map

The Route of Sibillini Nature Trail N16

The trail starts from Palazzo Simonelli, in Tribbio, and is walked clockwise. It begins with a descent toward the locality of Fontegirata, home to the Giardino delle Farfalle (Butterfly Garden). Then it crosses the village of Villa, climbs back toward Monte Codardo and returns to Tribbio.

The route alternates three sections. After the initial descent there is an up-and-down stretch. The most demanding section begins after the entrance to the Aula didattica di Rio Vallone (an outdoor classroom) and leads to the highest point of the loop. From there it descends steeply to Tribbio.

The route is well marked and easy to follow. The roads are mostly cart tracks, also used by tractors, and are walked without difficulty. Those starting from Villa di Montalto can reach the end of the trail in a few minutes: just climb alongside the church to the first crossroads.

From the Rio Vallone entrance it is possible to continue along the gorge. Here the signs of the Aula didattica illustrate the animal and plant species that may be encountered. Along the loop the trail is listed as open. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the weather and the trail conditions.

Nature Trail N16 Technical Data

• Trail number: N16
• Route type: loop
• Length: about 3 km
• Elevation gain: about 170 m of total ascent
• Elevation: between about 531 m (lowest point) and 686 m (highest point).
• Duration: about 2 hours. An estimate with a standard formula gives about 1 hour and 15 minutes, to be taken as indicative.
• Difficulty: T (tourist)
• Start: Palazzo Simonelli, Tribbio (Cessapalombo)
• Parking: about 12 m from the start

Nature Trail N16 Map

Sibillini nature trail N16 is a loop starting and ending in Tribbio. Along the route, in order, are Fontegirata, Villa, the Rio Vallone entrance and the slopes of Monte Codardo. A parking lot is about 12 m from the starting point.

Other similar routes are collected on the page of loop hikes in the Sibillini Mountains. For short walks there is also the page on easy walks in the Sibillini.

Points of Interest Along Nature Trail N16

In Tribbio, near the start, there is a drinking water point. In Fontegirata is the Giardino delle Farfalle. The woods consist mainly of hornbeam, downy oak and manna ash. Beech and holm oak also grow in the Cessapalombo area, with shrubs such as juniper and broom. Between April and May the undergrowth fills with orchids.

The N16 intersects other trails: those to the Grotte dei Frati, to the Gole del Fiastrone gorge and the Sentiero delle Carbonaie, with the historic clearings where charcoal was produced. It also meets the trails to Monte Petrella and to the Lame Rosse, known for their canyon of red rock pinnacles. The Grotta dei Frati, between Cessapalombo and Fiastra, was a refuge for Benedictine monks around the year 1000. From the 13th century the Clareni friars settled there and built a small church, documented as early as 1234.

The area is home to wild boar, roe deer, foxes and buzzards. Rarer are the wolf, the peregrine falcon and the wildcat.