Valle dell'Acquasanta e Cascata: how to get there and trails
The Valle dell'Acquasanta e Cascata, the Acquasanta valley and its waterfall (cascata), lie in the territory of Bolognola, in the province of Macerata, within the Sibillini Mountains National Park. They are reached on foot on trail E4, known as "La Cascata Nascosta" (The Hidden Waterfall). It starts from Villa da Capo, crosses the Fiastrone stream and enters a cool valley shaded by beech, maple and yew trees. At the far end, the Acquasanta gorge narrows between the steep slopes of Monte Cacamillo and Punta Bambucerta.
The route is graded EE, meaning for expert hikers. After the 2016 earthquake it stayed closed for years because of a large landslide. It reopened in summer 2023, with some conditions worth knowing before setting out.
Before you go
Rules and orders: Park website. Snow and avalanches: Meteomont bulletin.
Where the Valle dell'Acquasanta and waterfall are located
The valley opens in the municipality of Bolognola, a village at about 1,070 m, known for its proximity to the Pintura ski slopes. The trail skirts the Balzo della Croce and then follows the channel that carries water to the Bolognola power station. The channel runs up to a dam that closes off the gorge. The valley's woods hold a particularly rich stand of yew trees.
How to get to the Valle dell'Acquasanta and waterfall
The starting point is Villa da Capo, a locality of Bolognola. From there trail E4 immediately crosses the Fiastrone stream and climbs toward the valley. The valley can be visited only on foot, following this route.
Trails and hikes in the Valle dell'Acquasanta
Trail E4 is 5.5 km long with 370 m of elevation gain. The outward leg takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the trail can be walked in both directions. The difficulty is EE. For at least two thirds of its length the route is easy and shaded. In the final part it becomes more complex and exposed, with narrow passages, and in places it can be slippery from water seeping out of the rock. As you get closer, the roar of the waterfall can be heard before it comes into view.
A detour is signposted along the route. The municipal ordinance that reopened the trail requires it to be considered closed, to everyone and along its entire length, for the full duration of any weather alert. Before setting out it is wise to check the trail's status with the Park or the Municipality of Bolognola. Hiking shoes with a good sole are needed.
When to go to the Valle dell'Acquasanta and waterfall
Summer is the best season. The woods shade most of the route and make the walk pleasant even on hot, muggy days. In spring or after heavy rain it is better to give it up, because stones can fall from the walls above. During a weather alert the trail is closed by ordinance.
What to see near the Valle dell'Acquasanta and waterfall
Nearby are Lago di Fiastra and the Fiastrone valley. Here is the Grotta dei Frati, an old hermitage of the Clareni monks. Between Acquacanina and Bolognola stretch the Piani di Ragnolo, known for their blooms of orchids and other species. Those looking for more waterfalls can visit the Gola dell'Infernaccio or the Valle dell'Ambro, where the stream forms several waterfalls near the sanctuary. More routes through gorges and valleys are gathered on the page on gorges and valleys of the Sibillini.