Cascata della Rota: how to get there and trails

Where the Cascata della Rota is located

The waterfall is in the Rio valley, in the territory of Montefortino (Fermo), within the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The stream flows between the southern slope of Monte Priora, where the San Leonardo plateau sits, and the eastern spur of Monte Pizzo. Higher up, snowfields have carved over the millennia a natural amphitheater, called "la Rota". This hollow collects the mountain's water and feeds the Rio. The Gole dell'Infernaccio are at Rubbiano, a hamlet of Montefortino.

How to get to the Cascata della Rota

By car, drive to the hamlet of Rubbiano and continue toward the Infernaccio as far as the Valleria parking area. From there, continue on foot to the Pisciarelle and the clearing at the entrance of the artificial tunnel. The waterfall cannot be reached by car.

Trails and hikes to the Cascata della Rota

The classic route crosses the Gole dell'Infernaccio and climbs to the Eremo di San Leonardo. From here an almost forgotten but beautiful path crosses the Rio valley. The waterfall lies along the trail that leads to the Casale del Rio.

It is a demanding hike of about 11.5-12 km round trip, with 750-800 m of elevation gain and 4-5 hours of walking, not counting stops. Most of the climb is in the cool shade of the beech forest.

Those who climb along the Fosso del Rio will find unmarked shepherds' tracks, and a sense of direction and experience are needed. The Rota should not be confused with the more touristy waterfall reached from the hermitage on CAI trail 223, that is, the Cascata Nascosta.

When to visit the Cascata della Rota

Summer is the most popular season, but the flow peaks earlier. In June, when the flow is at its highest, peonies and asphodels bloom in the meadows. From the area of the waterfall there are views of the summit meadows of Monte Priora, Monte Sibilla and, to the east, the sea. It is wise to check the weather before setting out and to bring water and hiking footwear.

What to see near the Cascata della Rota

The Gole dell'Infernaccio are carved by the Tenna river. To enter them, the route passes under the small cascades known as the Pisciarelle. From here routes also lead to Capotenna, the source of the Tenna, and to the Eremo di San Leonardo; the trail toward Capotenna, beyond the second junction for San Leonardo, is currently closed to vehicles and pedestrians by ordinance of the Municipality of Montefortino. The hermitage was damaged by the 2016 earthquake: it is reached on foot and can be seen from the outside, but before going up it is best to check whether it is possible to go inside and whether the trail is open.

From the hermitage starts the path to the Cascata Nascosta, about 20-25 meters high, described on the page Cascata Nascosta (Cascata del Rio in Montefortino). For a broader overview, see waterfalls of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.