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Sterrata di San Gerbone: Route, Difficulty and Map

S Start: Sentiero N323 · 1,098 m A Finish: Sentiero N323 · 1,379 m

Map and track: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Trail facts

Start
Sentiero N323 · 1,098 m
Finish
Sentiero N323 · 1,379 m
Route
one way
Trail marker
323a
Municipality
Acquasanta Terme

The Sterrata di San Gerbone (San Gerbone dirt road) is a 6.8 km hiking trail in the municipality of Acquasanta Terme. It is numbered 323a and graded T on the CAI scale. It is not a loop: both ends connect to trail N323.

The route crosses the area of the San Gerbone forest, within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Here the woodland is old-growth, with tall trees, some of them centuries old. Along the route there are a mountain hut, a cave, a spring and several waterfalls. The best period is from April to October.

Distance
6.81 km
Elevation gain
+513 m
Elevation loss
−230 m
Lowest point
1,098 m
Highest point
1,478 m
Difficulty
T, easy walking
Time
3 h (estimate)

From the OpenStreetMap track and the Copernicus DEM profile; time is an estimate.

Before you go

Forecast at the start

  1. Today10° / 4°0.1 mmCloudy

Forecast by MET Norway, updated automatically · license CC BY 4.0

Rules and orders: Park website. Snow and avalanches: Meteomont bulletin.

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Elevation profile
1000110012001300140015000 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km1000110012001300140015000 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km
Ascent
513 m
Descent
230 m
Lowest point
1,098 m
Highest point
1,478 m

Elevations: Copernicus DEM GLO-30 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018.

Download GPXKML for Google Earth

Indicative OpenStreetMap track: check the markers and trail conditions on site.

The Route of the Sterrata di San Gerbone

Trail 323a is linear and follows a dirt road, reached after a steep climb on trail 323. Hikes in the forest often start from Collefrattale. From Acquasanta Terme, drive toward Santa Maria, then toward Paggese and finally to Collefrattale. The road is mostly curves.

Farther up, the forest road is not open to cars: it is advisable to check before setting out. From the recommended parking spot, the route climbs on foot to the Rifugio San Gerbone. This is the area where, in ancient times, the hermit lived and prayed.

Beyond the small San Gerbone barracks building, the dirt road continues through the woods and climbs with a few bends to about 1,470 m, then descends in hairpins along the Fosso di San Gerbone stream.

Sterrata di San Gerbone Technical Data

  • Trail number: 323a
  • Municipality: Acquasanta Terme
  • Route type: linear, not a loop
  • Length: 6.8 km
  • Difficulty: T (CAI scale)
  • Maximum elevation: 1,478 m
  • Minimum elevation: 1,098 m

Before setting out, it is advisable to check the weather and wear hiking shoes suited to a dirt surface.

Sterrata di San Gerbone Map

The map shows the route of trail 323a, with the points of interest marked along the way. The route is not circular, so it is best to plan the return to the starting point in advance. Elevations range from 1,098 to 1,478 m.

Points of Interest Along the Sterrata di San Gerbone

Along the trail there are drinking water, a spring and the Rifugio San Gerbone, which offers shelter. Three waterfalls are also marked. At one hairpin on the Fosso di San Gerbone, the stream's waterfall comes into view.

The Grotta di San Gerbone is a cavity formed by erosion, little more than a hollow in a sandstone wall. The trail runs lower down and does not always reach it: the cave remains higher up. An off-trail stretch to get there requires climbing down the sandstone blocks with great care.

In the woods it is possible to encounter the spectacled salamander.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sterrata di San Gerbone a loop?

No. Trail 323a is linear and measures 6.8 km. Both of its ends connect to trail N323. Anyone starting from one end therefore has to plan how to return to the starting point, either by retracing the same section or by using other trails in the area.

Is there water along the Sterrata di San Gerbone?

Yes. The trail's points of interest include drinking water and a spring. There are also three waterfalls and the Rifugio San Gerbone, which offers shelter. It is still best to carry your own water supply, because there is no way of knowing in advance how much water there will be when you pass.

How do you drive to the San Gerbone forest area?

From Acquasanta Terme, follow the signs for Santa Maria, then climb toward Paggese and finally toward Collefrattale. The drive is mostly curves. Farther up, the forest road is not open to cars, so it is advisable to check before setting out.

Can you visit the Grotta di San Gerbone?

The cave is among the trail's points of interest, but it lies higher up than the route. Anyone reaching it off-trail must climb down very carefully among the sandstone blocks. There is no marked path for that section, so caution is needed.

Nearby

What to see nearby

Straight-line distances.