Lago di Polverina: how to get there and trails

Where Lago di Polverina is located

The lake lies in the Marche region, in the municipality of Valfornace. It separates the territory of Valfornace from that of Camerino. The dam is in the municipality of Camerino. Canto Chienti sits on the southern shore. The rural hamlet of San Giovanni is also on the south side.

Part of the municipality of Valfornace falls within the Sibillini National Park, in the Sibillini Mountains.

How to get to Lago di Polverina

From the SS 77, leave the road at the junction for Pontelatrave and take the Strada Provinciale 138 "Cantochienti".

Another approach goes through Polverina. On the SS 77 heading toward Camerino, a left turn at Sfercia leads to the village of Polverina. From there the road runs along the lake. From the A14 highway, take the SS 77 state road. From the Macerata-Civitanova exit, the route continues for a long stretch on the state road.

Trails and hikes at Lago di Polverina

The oasis has a nature path that runs partly along the lake, with information panels describing the lake and the animals that live there. A bird hide allows visitors to watch the waterbirds.

A loop hike along the lake is 7 km long, with 250 m of elevation gain. On the route offered by the Valfornace guided walks, the start is at the Pontelatrave bike station. The route follows the trail toward the Beldiletto Castle and then the path along the shores. Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and water are recommended.

The two longer shores are walkable. The ground is packed earth with short grass, and muddy in places. One of the short sides is taken up by a dense reed bed that cannot be crossed.

For cyclists, there is an easy ride on paved roads with no traffic, with equipped rest areas along the lake. The ride passes through Pievebovigliana, Isola and the lake, and is suitable for children. The lake also lies along a stage of the Cammino Francescano della Marca, from Colfiorito to Polverina.

When to visit Lago di Polverina

Summer is the season of greatest interest. In August 2025, the last summer walk in the Valfornace guided series had the lake as its destination.

For birds, other seasons are worthwhile. In winter and during migration, grey herons, great crested grebes, little egrets and cormorants can be seen. In spring and fall the oasis is a stopover for raptors and other protected birds, including the osprey and the marsh harrier. Checking the weather before setting out is a good idea.

What to see near Lago di Polverina

The Castello di Beldiletto was probably built in the first half of the 14th century and belonged to the Da Varano family of Camerino. The family later turned it into a villa toward the end of the 15th century. The Romanesque church of San Giusto, from the 11th century, stands at San Maroto. Pontelatrave has a Romanesque bridge, from the 13th century on Roman foundations, and the Convento di San Francesco.

Valfornace is also home to Lago di Boccafornace. Other lakes in the area are described on the page the lakes of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche. A little to the southwest lies Lago di Fiastra.