Cascata del Rio (Monte Cavallo): How to Get There and Trails

Where the Cascata del Rio is

The waterfall is in the hamlet of Pantaneto, in the municipality of Monte Cavallo. The municipality is one of the smallest in the province of Macerata, has its seat at Pié del Sasso and counts twelve scattered hamlets. Monte Cavallo lies on the edge of the Sibillini National Park.

The name is shared with another waterfall in the area: for the one at Montefortino there is a dedicated page, Cascata del Rio at Montefortino.

How to get to the Cascata del Rio

First, drive to Pantaneto. From the S.P. 209 (Muccia), after Pieve Torina, there is a junction with the Church of Santa Maria di Caspriano. Keep right on the S.P. Caspriano-Monte Cavallo, go past the village of Monte Cavallo and keep climbing, following the signs for Pantaneto.

From Pantaneto the waterfall is reached on foot, walking up the Sentiero Italia cart track toward the Forca. Between the Forca and Pantaneto there are 3 km.

Trails and hikes to the Cascata del Rio

From Pantaneto, follow trail 300, which coincides with the Sentiero Italia, to the Valico la Forca pass. The waterfall is on this stretch, which is the last part of the Visso–Pantaneto stage.

Longer routes also start from Pantaneto. A loop from Pantaneto passes the Cascata di Pantaneto, the Fonte del Sambuco, Cima Corno, Monte Cavallo and Poggio Martello. Another route on the Sentiero Italia links the waterfall with the slopes of Monte Cetrognola, Poggio Martello, Cima Corno and the Colle dei Fienili, with the ruins of the Romita di Collattoni. The Sentiero Italia stage to Colfiorito also starts from Pantaneto.

On the route to Monte Cavallo, pay attention to route-finding. The trail is marked where it coincides with the Sentiero Italia, while elsewhere, especially in the woods on the way up, finding the way can be difficult.

When to go to the Cascata del Rio

The amount of water varies. The waterfall is not always flowing. Before choosing a date, and especially in drier periods, it is wise to check conditions and the weather. The route is on cart track and trail, so hiking shoes are needed.

What to see near the Cascata del Rio

Along the Sentiero Italia, near Pantaneto, is the Pantaneto Hillfort, an archaeological site. The municipal territory has other destinations:

• At Collattoni are the springs called Le Vene and i Trocchi, suggested for easy walks.
• At Valcaldara, the Chiesa di San Nicolò preserves frescoes attributed to Paolo da Visso, with the Annunciation, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
• The small church of the Madonna della Valle, at 721 m, can be reached on a narrow valley-floor road heading south. A fitness trail has been set up there.
• Between Montecavallo and Pieve Torina lies the Riserva Naturale Montagna di Torricchio, a protected area of pastures, meadows and woods between 800 and 1,500 m.

To compare other waterfalls in the area, see the page waterfalls of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.