Pian Piccolo: How to Get There and Trails

Where the Pian Piccolo Is

The Pian Piccolo and the Pian Grande are in the province of Perugia. The third plain, the Pian Perduto, is in the province of Macerata, in the Marche. The Castelluccio plateau is surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains and lies at over 1,250 m. The Pian Piccolo is the smallest of the three and lies below the village of Castelluccio, toward Forca di Presta. Its area is less than one square kilometer.

How to Get to the Pian Piccolo

The reference point is Castelluccio, a hamlet of Norcia at 1,452 m, in the Sibillini National Park. Forca di Presta is a few kilometers from the village. From the Marche side, take the SS4 Salaria past Arquata del Tronto and climb the SP477 to Forca di Presta (1,536 m). There is a parking lot at Forca di Presta. From there or from Castelluccio, continue on foot.

Pian Piccolo Trails and Hikes

The guided hike starts from the pass between Norcia and Castelluccio and crosses the Forca Canapine area, once occupied by ski slopes. The route is 8-9 km long and takes about 4 hours including breaks. It is suited to families with children and to hikers with a minimum of fitness. Along the way there is a "pantano" (marshy hollow) that becomes a small pond after the thaw, and a karst sinkhole.

Those who want a longer outing can do the loop that joins the Pian Grande and the Pian Piccolo. It is a long route with moderate elevation gain. It is considered difficult and requires excellent fitness. The Pian Piccolo can also be explored in winter on snowshoes, on organized outings.

When to Go to the Pian Piccolo

The flowering can be seen from May to July. The lentil fields of the Pian Piccolo peak in early July, about a week after the Pian Grande. The plain is popular with hikers and photographers who want to avoid cars. The altitude can bring rapid changes in the weather, so check the forecast before setting out.

What to See Near the Pian Piccolo

The village of Castelluccio is going through a slow rebirth after the 2016 earthquake. Right next door stretches the Pian Grande, while the Pian Perduto lies to the north. It takes its name from the battle of 1522, in which Norcia lost it to Visso. In the Pian Perduto, the Stagno Rosso (Red Pond) takes on a reddish color in summer. For an overall picture, see the plains and plateaus of the Sibillini Mountains.