Lago di Boccafornace: how to get there and trails

Where Lago di Boccafornace is

The lake is in Pievebovigliana, a hamlet of Valfornace, in the province of Macerata and inside the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains. The village stands in the upper Macerata area at an elevation of 441 m. The lake is close to the historic center, a few minutes' walk away.

How to get to Lago di Boccafornace

The lake can be reached on foot from the center of Pievebovigliana or by car, following the signposted road. Coming from the SP 99 "Pontelatrave – Fiordimonte", turn onto via Fornace, where a brown tourist sign points to the lake. Shortly after, the road forks: take the small dirt road to the right, sloping gently downhill. From there continue for a few hundred meters on a country road, between the fields and a large above-ground pipe.

Trails and walks at Lago di Boccafornace

The lake loop is a short circular walk, classified as easy. It starts from the historic center of Pievebovigliana and follows a clearly visible gravel road, almost flat and suitable even for those who are not fit. Along the route there are benches overlooking the lake. Black swans and geese can be seen on the water.

Two paths lead to the shores. The one on the right is accessible to everyone and can be walked or ridden by mountain bike. The one on the left leads to a wood, where aquatic animals can be observed.

Along the shores there are three themed routes. The stones route is marked by boulders engraved with phrases, the work of Laura Salvi. The botanical and nature route crosses the local vegetation. The reading route ends with a sculpture and a bench, where books from the Biblioteca Comunale (the town library) can be read. Sport fishing and Nordic walking are also practiced in the area. There is an area equipped for barbecues and picnics.

From the lake you can continue toward the "Convento" and the Beldiletto Castle, along scenic country lanes.

When to visit Lago di Boccafornace

In summer, during the dry months, the natural cave next to the lake can be visited. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but on hot days its banks offer quiet and cool air. In spring, birds, dragonflies and wildflowers liven up the shores. In fall the colors of the trees are reflected on the water. In winter the karst siphon can be seen, and when it snows the trail becomes even more striking. The lake can be visited in any season.

What to see near Lago di Boccafornace

Pievebovigliana is a few kilometers from Lago di Polverina, a reservoir popular with sport fishing enthusiasts. The village stands on a hill surrounded by woods and was founded by the Piceni. It is home to the church of San Giusto, from the 11th century, and holds the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) of the Touring Club Italiano. Following the SP 99 toward Fiordimonte leads to Lago di Fiastra. For a comparison with the other bodies of water in the area, see the page on the lakes of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.