Cascate delle Callarelle: how to get there and trails

Where the Cascate delle Callarelle are located

The waterfall is in the valley of the Ussita stream, below the north face of Monte Bove. It lies upstream of the Cascata di Casali, also known as the Fosso del Pero waterfall, and near the small hydroelectric plant of the Municipality of Ussita.

The site is a small gorge carved by water. In the upper part of the falls two large, deep Marmitte dei Giganti open up. They are basins formed over time by the erosion of the water and of the debris carried by the current.

How to get to the Cascate delle Callarelle

Drive to the center of Ussita and, past the square, continue toward Frontignano di Ussita. After the Palazzetto del Ghiaccio (ice rink), at about 1 km, the turnoff for the hamlet of Calcara is on the left.

It is best to leave the car near the houses of Calcara. Along the dirt road that continues toward the campground it is better not to park: respect the parking signs to avoid unpleasant surprises on the way back. The surface of the gravel road can be very rough.

Trails and hikes to the Cascate delle Callarelle

The classic route starts from Calcara and follows the dirt road toward the north side of the Croce di Monte Bove. After the junction for the campground, keep right, where there is a "Callarelle" sign. In about 40 minutes, along 2 km of almost level dirt road, the route reaches the grassy shelf of Poggio Paradiso. Here a second sign points left.

After about 1.5 km more comes the entrance to the hydroelectric plant. Just before the building, descend to the left: the trail is steep, equipped with ropes, and in about 10 minutes leads to the base of the waterfall. The stretch is slippery, so shoes with a good sole are needed. Heading back toward the plant, a path on the left climbs to the upper part of the waterfall, where the two Marmitte dei Giganti are. The return is by the same route.

The forest road up to the gate has very little elevation gain and can also be done with all-terrain strollers. The descent to the base, however, is not recommended for very young children. Just after the gate, an easy little path leads to the natural pools above the waterfall.

For a longer outing there is a more demanding loop, graded as a hiking route. It takes in the waterfall, continues toward the Val di Panico and descends to Casali before closing at Ussita. Halfway along, watch out for the fork toward the Val di Panico, which does not lead to the waterfall.

When to visit the Cascate delle Callarelle

Summer is the most popular time. The shade of the vegetation and the coolness of the water make the waterfall a pleasant destination on hot days.

After the 2016 earthquake, which left visible landslides on the north face of Monte Bove, it is wise to check whether the trails are passable before setting out.

What to see near the Cascate delle Callarelle

Along the route, Poggio Paradiso offers a close-up view of the north face of Monte Bove. From here a branch leads into the Val di Panico. The trail that descends to Casali, a small village overlooked by the rock face, offers more views of the valley. The Cascata di Casali is also nearby.

For other water destinations, see waterfalls of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.