Laghetto dell'Infernaccio: how to get there and trails

Where the Laghetto dell'Infernaccio is

The Infernaccio gorge is carved by the Tenna between Monte Priora and Monte Sibilla. The pond lies farther upstream, roughly level with the Corona della Sibilla. At that point the walls of the gorge and the dense woods open up for a short stretch, revealing the high rock faces that plunge into the valley.

It is on the valley-floor trail between the Eremo di San Leonardo and Capotenna. During thaws, snow slides and landslides come down from the fosso delle Vene and alter the course of the river, so the look of the area changes over time.

How to get to the Laghetto dell'Infernaccio

Drive to Rubbiano, a hamlet of Montefortino. Rubbiano is about 6 km from Montefortino. From Rubbiano a cart track of about 2 kilometers leads toward the gorge.

It is best to arrive early to park near the trailhead. On summer weekends cars also take up part of the road.

Trails and hikes to the Laghetto dell'Infernaccio

The route starts from the Valleria parking area, passes the Pisciarelle and crosses the gorge. The Pisciarelle are dripping cascades, and nearby is the entrance to a locked tunnel. In the beech wood comes the first junction: to the right the trail climbs to the Eremo di San Leonardo, to the left it heads toward Capotenna.

The section up to the second junction for the hermitage, on trail E9, was reopened with ordinance of the Municipality of Montefortino no. 32 of July 17, 2026: it must be walked with an approved helmet and is banned during weather alerts. The route toward Capotenna, where the springs of the Tenna rise, remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians by ordinance of the Municipality of Montefortino. Since the pond lies on that section, a visit depends on its reopening. Check the ordinances of the Comune di Montefortino or the Park's guidance before setting out.

The hike to the hermitage is short: the trail zigzags up for about 30 minutes. The whole circuit is about 7 km with about 300 m of elevation gain. When the section toward Capotenna is open, it is about 3.3 km from the junction to the springs. In the landslide area by the pond, walk quickly, because stones can fall from above.

When to visit the Laghetto dell'Infernaccio

The hike to the hermitage is easy and very popular, especially in summer. For the same route the recommended period is from May to October, when the trail is open. After days of rain, or with leftover snow, the trail can be slippery. Winter avalanches can leave unstable material on the slopes, so before setting out it is wise to check trail conditions.

What to see near the Laghetto dell'Infernaccio

The route includes the Pisciarelle and the gorge itself. The hermitage of San Leonardo al Volubrio is a pilgrimage destination, but the August 2016 earthquake damaged its structure. From the hermitage a small cascade of the Rio stream can be reached, which visitors call the "hidden waterfall".

On one of the buttresses of the Priora is a small natural stone arch, the Tempio della Sibilla (the Sibyl's Temple). Not far away, the Grotta della Pernice has rocks with ammonite fossils. Farther upstream is Capotenna, where the Tenna rises.