Piano dei Pantani: How to Get There and Trails
The Piano dei Pantani is an upland plain of about 80 hectares, at just under 1,600 meters, with pastures, boundary stones and small bodies of water. It lies in the municipality of Accumoli, where the Marche, Lazio and Umbria meet. The ponds, also known as the Pantani di Accumoli, are of glacial origin and surrounded by mountain pastures. Hikers enjoy them for the views and for the abundant flowering of orchids.
The most common access is the Forca Canapine pass, from which a dirt road starts. The route is easy and suitable for families too. The area is a Site of Community Importance in the Natura 2000 network, protected for its habitats.
Before you go
Rules and orders: Park website. Snow and avalanches: Meteomont bulletin.
Where the Piano dei Pantani Is
The plain lies on the border between the Sibillini Mountains and the Monti della Laga, in the municipal territory of Accumoli, in the province of Rieti. From the Pantani there are views of the Monti della Laga range to the southeast and the Vettore massif to the northeast. At the viewpoint of Forca dei Pantani (1,607 m), Umbria, the Marche and Lazio meet.
The starting point is the Forca Canapine pass, at 1,541 meters. The pass is divided between the municipalities of Arquata del Tronto and Norcia. Castelluccio, reached from Norcia also on the Sentiero Italia Norcia-Castelluccio, is a few minutes away by car.
How to Get to the Piano dei Pantani
From Norcia and Castelluccio, Forca Canapine is reached on the SP 477. From Ascoli Piceno, take the Salaria to the junction with the SS 685 "Tre Valli Umbre", then turn left onto the SP 64 up to the pass. There is roadside parking at the pass. Signs mark the start of the gravel road leading to the Pantani.
After the 2016 earthquake, the road to Forca Canapine from Arquata del Tronto stayed closed for a long time. In 2020 it had only recently reopened. The alternative was to come via the road to Castelluccio. Check the latest road conditions before setting out.
There is no permanent public transport. In summer, dedicated services are sometimes organized.
Piano dei Pantani Trails and Hikes
The easiest route starts from Forca Canapine and follows the dirt road to the ponds. It is 2.6 km long, with 65 m of elevation gain and altitudes between 1,560 and 1,625 m. The time given is 45 minutes. The route has no side branches. The ponds are fenced off by a wooden rail fence, with a main entrance.
For a longer hike there is the loop of the Pantani and Monte Utero. It starts from Forca Canapine, is about 14.6 km long, takes 4 hours and 30 minutes, has an elevation gain of 265 m and is of moderate difficulty. Dogs are allowed, always on a leash.
In winter the plain can be reached on snowshoes: the round trip from Forca Canapine is about 7 km, with 130 m of ascent and from 2 hours to 2 and a half hours of walking. The difficulty is easy/moderate.
When to Go to the Piano dei Pantani
The short route can be walked all year round. For the long loop, the recommended period is May to November, when there is no snow. At altitude, snow can last well into spring.
Cattle and horses arrive to graze in late spring and roam free until the first autumn cold, in mid-October. From late April to October they are usually seen at dawn and in the late afternoon.
What to See Near the Piano dei Pantani
From Forca Canapine it is possible to continue toward Monte Utero. From the summit the view is a full 360° and takes in the Sibillini, the Castelluccio plain and the Pantani. A little farther on, the less demanding Monte dei Signori can be climbed. Along the road toward Accumoli is the Forca dei Copelli, at 1,625 m, with the Fonte dei Copelli spring at 1,585 m.
By car, the Piano Grande of Castelluccio is close by. For other upland plains, see the page on the plateaus of the Sibillini Mountains. Monte Vettore, at 2,476 m the highest peak of the Sibillini, can be reached from Forca di Presta.