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Cascata de lu Vagnatò: How to Get There and Trails

Cascata de lu Vagnatò

At a glance

Type
Waterfall
Municipality
Sarnano (MC)

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

The Cascata de lu Vagnatò is in Sarnano, in the Morelli area, along the Tennacola stream and a short walk from the historic center. The waterfall is about 10 meters high. It is the second stop on the Via delle Cascate Perdute (the Way of the Lost Waterfalls), the route linking three waterfalls in the woods. The path to the Vagnatò is short and suitable even for those who walk little. At the end there is an old washerwomen's basin and a ramp that goes down to the riverbed, in front of the waterfall.

The name comes from the local dialect: it means the bagnatoio, the large pool where young people of Sarnano once bathed and where laundry used to be washed. The waterfall long remained hidden by vegetation and came back to light in 2020.

Before you go

Forecast

  1. Today19° / 15°0.0 mmCloudy
  2. Tomorrow20° / 15°3.2 mmPartly cloudy
  3. Friday17° / 12°16.3 mmShowers

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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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

Where the Cascata de lu Vagnatò is

The waterfall is in the municipal territory of Sarnano, in the Morelli area, on the course of the Tennacola. Along the Via delle Cascate Perdute it comes before the Cascatelle di Sarnano at Romani and after the Antico Mulino waterfall, in the Piano area.

How to get to the Cascata de lu Vagnatò

The most convenient starting point for the waterfall alone is the area of the Sarnano municipal slaughterhouse, where cars can be left. The Municipality also points to other parking areas, at largo Bozzoni, near the historic center, and in the Morelli industrial area.

From here, continue on foot along provincial road 78 Picena, watching out for traffic. At the pink house, just before the bridge, cross over and take the dirt road that runs alongside the house. After a few meters, turn left at the fork. This stretch is also used by the Cammino Francescano della Marca and the Via Lauretana, and it passes a small church dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto, now privately owned. After the small bridge, the path opens on the right and leads to the waterfall.

On foot from the historic center of Sarnano, the Antico Mulino waterfall is about 15 minutes away. From there to the Vagnatò takes about another 30 minutes.

Trails and hikes to the Cascata de lu Vagnatò

The full route, the Via delle Cascate Perdute, is just under 6 km long. It has a modest elevation gain and only one short steep stretch, before the Antico Mulino waterfall. It is considered easy and suitable for children too. From the Vagnatò to the Cascatelle at Romani is about a 25-minute walk. Climb back up to the wash house and take the narrow path through the trees, which passes the shrine of the Madonna dei Quattro Occhi. The last stretch toward the waterfall is a ramp: it is best tackled with care.

Closed, non-slip shoes are needed. In rain, especially in fall and winter, the ground can be muddy and slippery.

When to go to the Cascata de lu Vagnatò

The route can be walked all year round. Summer is the best season for those looking for cool air: the stretch is partly shaded, and at the foot of the waterfall you can cool off by dipping your feet in the water. To continue toward the Cascatelle, it is best to avoid the hottest hours and bring water. Near the waterfall there is space on the grass for a picnic, but there are no tables or benches.

What to see near the Cascata de lu Vagnatò

Next to the waterfall is a small cave from which another trickle of water falls. The other two waterfalls on the route are the Cascata dell'Antico Mulino del Piano and the Cascatelle at Romani. From the Cascatelle a trail leads to the Pozze dell'Acquasanta pools and the Cascate del Pellegrino. To compare it with the other waterfalls in the area, see the page waterfalls of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you park for the Cascata de lu Vagnatò?

For the Cascata de lu Vagnatò alone, park near the Sarnano municipal slaughterhouse and continue on foot. The Municipality also points to two other parking areas: largo Bozzoni, near the historic center, and the Morelli industrial area. Along the whole route there are three large parking areas.

Why is it called "lu Vagnatò"?

The name comes from a dialect expression linked to bathing. Upstream of the waterfall there was a large pool where young people of Sarnano went bathing. Nearby there is also an old basin used by washerwomen for laundry. In dialect "vagnatò" corresponds to bagnatoio, a bathing place.

How long is the walk from the Vagnatò to the Cascatelle?

From the Cascata de lu Vagnatò to the Cascatelle at Romani takes about 25 minutes on foot. Climb back up to the wash house, take the narrow path through the trees and continue past the shrine of the Madonna dei Quattro Occhi. The route runs along the Tennacola stream.

What shoes do you need for the Cascata de lu Vagnatò?

Closed shoes with non-slip soles are needed, preferably hiking shoes, because in some places it is easy to slip. Flip-flops are not recommended. In rain, especially in fall and winter, the ground turns muddy. The last stretch goes down a ramp to the riverbed.

Nearby

Where to eat

Straight-line distances.