Cascate di Sarnano: how to get there and trails

Where the Cascate di Sarnano are located

Sarnano is in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains. The village sits on the eastern side of the Sibillini. The three waterfalls are in different localities, all close to the village:

• the Cascata dell'Antico Mulino is in the Piano area, near the Palasport (sports hall) and the Liceo Scientifico high school;
• the cascate de lu Vagnatò are in the contrada of Morelli;
• the Cascatelle are in the contrada of Romani.

Farther upstream are two more water sites. The Pozze dell'Acquasanta, striking potholes (giant's kettles), are near Piobbico, a hamlet of Sarnano, just outside the eastern edge of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The Cascata del Pellegrino is formed by the stream that comes down from Fonte Lardina, below the village of Sassotetto. The page on the Cascate del Pellegrino gives more details on this stop.

How to get to the Cascate di Sarnano

To reach the waterfalls, first get to the village of Sarnano. The car can be left in the parking lot in front of the Liceo Scientifico or in the one at Largo Bozzoni. From there the walk starts easily, because the waterfalls are very close to the center. Alternatively, park in the sports facilities area, just below the historic center. It is close to the Cascata dell'Antico Mulino del Piano, the first stop on the route.

For the Cascata de lu Vagnatò, it is best to leave the car near the Mattatoio (old slaughterhouse) of Sarnano and continue on foot.

The Cascatelle can also be reached by car, with a very short walk. Just before the village, at the junction for Garulla-Ascoli Piceno, go down to the road below. At the first group of houses turn right, toward Bisio-Garulla, on a stretch described as rough. After about 500 meters there is a clearing with many signs, where you can park. About 200 meters remain on foot. The Cascatelle are also lit at night.

Trails and hikes to the Cascate di Sarnano

The classic route is the Via delle Cascate Perdute. It is about 6 km long, with about 120 m of total elevation gain, an elevation between 442 and 522 m and a walking time of about 1 h 45 min. The difficulty is touristic-hiking. It is a loop: from the Cascatelle a final stretch, which takes more than 30 minutes, leads back to the historic center without retracing your steps.

The first stop is the Cascata dell'Antico Mulino. More information is on the page dedicated to the Cascata dell'Antico Mulino del Piano. A steep descent leads to the riverbed. Past the remains of the old mill and a wooden footbridge, the waterfall comes into view. The drop is very high. It is the most demanding stretch of the three: the descent becomes a climb on the way back, so closed shoes and, if desired, trekking poles are recommended. On the rock behind the waterfall is a formation called "Bisciaro", made of stacked limestone layers.

The second is the Cascata de lu Vagnatò, covered on the page Cascata de lu Vagnatò. From the Antico Mulino it takes about half an hour. The walk is almost all on level ground, except for the last steep flight of steps, where a rope helps. Along the way is a small church where the Via Lauretana and the Cammino Francescano della Marca cross. The name comes from dialect: above the waterfall there was a large pool where the young people of Sarnano used to swim.

The third stop is the Cascatelle. From the Vagnatò, the route climbs through the trees to the wayside shrine of the Madonna dei Quattro Occhi and follows the signs for about 25 minutes. This stretch is fairly sunny, so it is not recommended in the hottest hours. The waterfalls are easy to reach, but not with strollers or wheelchairs.

For a longer walk, continue toward the Pozze dell'Acquasanta. From the Cascatelle the marked trail reaches the Pozze in about an hour of walking. From the Pozze, a short five-minute path leads to the Cascata del Pellegrino. The last piece has a steep descent, where a rope can help. Combining these stops with the Via delle Cascate Perdute makes a longer loop; allow a few hours of walking, not counting stops.

When to visit the Cascate di Sarnano

The route can be walked at any time of year. Closed, non-slip shoes are needed. Summer is the season when the water is most appreciated: summer visitors can take the chance to cool off. Some guided hikes include a dip at the Cascatelle. The stretch toward the Cascatelle is sunny, so in summer it is best to walk in the cooler hours. As for any outing, it is useful to check the weather before setting out.

What to see near the Cascate di Sarnano

The historic center is a few steps from the trails. Piazza Alta is the medieval heart of the village, surrounded by historic buildings and the church of Santa Maria Assunta. The 2016 earthquake damaged the historic center and the church of Santa Maria Assunta. It is therefore wise to ask which buildings can be visited. Other sights include the thermal baths and the Pinacoteca (art gallery), with paintings by Vittore Crivelli: the building, damaged by the earthquake, has been restored and the works returned there in early 2025 pending the new display, so before visiting it is wise to check whether it is open.

The Cammino Francescano della Marca, a Franciscan walking route, also passes through Sarnano. The municipality includes the ski areas of Sassotetto and Santa Maria Maddalena. In August the Palio del Serafino is held, a historical reenactment among the four contrade (town districts). For other waterfalls in the area, see the page waterfalls of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.