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Cascate di Forcella: how to get there and trails

At a glance

Type
Waterfall
Municipality
Acquasanta Terme (AP)

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

The Cascate di Forcella are on the Tallacano stream, in the border area between Acquasanta Terme and Roccafluvione, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. The stream plunges in two drops close together. The first is about 15 m high and falls into a natural pool. From the small church of San Giovanni, in Forcella, it is a walk of about ten minutes. In summer the spot is very popular with people looking for some cool air.

Before you go

Forecast

  1. Today20° / 15°0.0 mmCloudy
  2. Tomorrow21° / 15°4.3 mmLight showers
  3. Friday18° / 12°17.7 mmHeavy rain

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 Cascate di Forcella are located

The waterfalls are in the border area between Acquasanta Terme and Roccafluvione. The village of Forcella lies in this border area. The Fosso di Tallacano, of the same name, marks the boundary between the two municipalities.

The water is that of the Rio Tallacano, a left-bank tributary of the Tronto. All around are woods of chestnut, fir, beech and oak. The tuff walls, with caves, drop sheer to the stream and in places exceed 30 m in height.

How to get to the Cascate di Forcella

From Ascoli Piceno, take the old Via Salaria to Ponte d'Arli, a hamlet of Acquasanta Terme. Then continue toward Centrale and turn off for Forcella. From there it is about 1.5 km to the church of San Giovanni, in front of which you can park.

Coming from the A14 highway, exit at San Benedetto del Tronto–Ascoli Piceno and follow the signs for Ascoli to the Ponte d'Arli exit. Then take the SP119 toward Acquasanta Terme, passing through Corneto, where there are signs for Forcella.

Trails and hikes to the Cascate di Forcella

The trail to the waterfalls starts from the church of San Giovanni, is marked and takes about 10 minutes on foot. The surface is packed earth. Where the slope steepens, rain can make it slippery. It was built by the association Amici di Forcella.

Forcella is also the starting point of stage 3 of the Via della Sibilla Appenninica (the Apennine Sibyl), the loop trek that from here reaches Acquasanta Terme.

When to visit the Cascate di Forcella

The best season is summer. In those months it is possible to swim in the deep pool at the base of the falls. It is still wise to check the weather before setting out, because after rain the trail becomes less safe.

What to see near the Cascate di Forcella

A few meters from the first drop is the second, lower one. The water reaches it after a small natural chute and then falls in a shorter leap.

From the waterfalls it is possible to continue on foot toward Lu Vurghe, the thermal springs of the hamlet of Santa Maria, in Acquasanta Terme.

In Acquasanta Terme, from the hamlet of Umito, starts the route to the Cascata della Prata. It follows a wide, marked dirt road through centuries-old chestnut groves: after about 40 minutes it reaches a fork, then another 20-30 minutes are needed. In the same direction is also the Cascata della Volpara. Together with the Prata, Forcella can be seen on the same day.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walk from the parking area to the waterfalls?

From the small church of San Giovanni, in Forcella, it takes about 10 minutes on a marked packed-earth trail. It is more a stroll than a hike. On the steeper stretches the surface can become slippery after rain, so suitable shoes are needed.

Can you swim at the Cascate di Forcella?

The first drop falls into a natural pool. At the base of the waterfall there is a deep pool where swimming is possible in summer. It is wise to assess water and weather conditions before going in.

How high are the Cascate di Forcella?

The Tallacano stream forms two drops close together. The first is about 15 m high and ends in a natural pool. The second, a few meters away, is a little lower and comes after a small natural chute.

Where do you leave the car to reach the waterfalls?

Park in front of the church of San Giovanni, in Forcella, reached from Ponte d'Arli by way of Centrale. From there the short marked trail to the waterfalls begins.

Nearby

Straight-line distances.