The Sibillini Mountains with a Dog: Trails, Rules and Tips
In the Sibillini Mountains with a dog it is possible to walk almost everywhere, but within precise rules. Sibillini National Park, in the Sibillini Mountains between Le Marche and Umbria and established in 1993, requires a leash. In Zone A, under the strictest protection, dogs may not enter unless they stay on an official hiking route. Four of these routes, however, are closed to dogs: E8, E15, E17 and a section of E6. For hiking with a dog, the most popular starting points are Lago di Fiastra, Bolognola, Visso, Preci, Norcia and Castelluccio.
Sibillini National Park with a dog: what to know
The basic rule is this: dogs may not be brought into Zone A of the Park Plan. In Zone B they are allowed only on a leash. Since July 1, 2013, there has been an exemption for the Park's hiking routes. Along these routes, dogs may also enter Zone A, always on a leash. On the rest of the Park's territory, leashes are mandatory.
The leash also protects the dog. The Park Authority points out that it protects dogs from possible attacks by sheepdogs and wildlife. National law, in addition to the leash, requires carrying a muzzle to be used if needed.
There are 17 official Park routes. Dogs may go, on a leash, on 13 of them, while on 4 they are not allowed. The four routes where dogs are banned are:
- E8, along the entire route, in the Monte Bove group;
- E15, along the entire route, which passes Forca di Presta, the Vettore and Colle di Montegallo;
- E17, on the section from Capanna Ghezzi to Foce di Montemonaco;
- E6, on the section from Rifugio del Fargno to Casale Ara del Re.
In these areas, the ban applies even if the dog is on a leash. Signs at the trailheads indicate whether dogs are allowed. The rules do not apply to dogs used for public service, for herding and for truffle hunting.
Among the routes where dogs are allowed, these are the best suited to a relaxed outing.
- From the Lago di Fiastra dam to the Lame Rosse. A route for hikers and families, about 2-3 hours round trip, recommended all year, where dogs are allowed. The full itinerary is described on the page Lago di Fiastra and Lame Rosse in one day.
- Bolognola – Fonte dell'Aquila (E3). It starts from Villa di Mezzo di Bolognola, near the chamois wildlife area, and reaches the Fonte dell'Aquila (a spring). It is 2,700 m long, takes about 1 hour one way and is classified as a tourist route. The recommended period runs from April to November, when there is no snow.
- Percorso dei Carbonai (E1). It starts from Tribbio di Cessapalombo, is about 8 km long and offers views of Monte Petrella and Monte Fiegni. One section is cut by a landslide: the loop cannot be completed and walkers turn back at the break.
- From Preci to the Abbey of Sant'Eutizio (E12). A loop through cultivated fields and oak woods to the abbey.
- From Visso to the Santuario di Macereto (E7).
- Sentiero dei Mietitori e dei Mulini, in Montegallo. It is part of the Grande Anello dei Sibillini, which runs about 124 km around the massif.
- Sentiero della Ferrovia, in Norcia. It follows the old railway line that linked Norcia to Spoleto, with high viaducts and tunnels.
- Pian Piccolo loop, at Castelluccio di Norcia. It leads to the Grande Piana.
Before leaving, it is advisable to check on site or with the Park Authority that the route is open and accessible to dogs. A map for finding your way among the trails is on the page Monti Sibillini map.
Monti Sibillini with a dog: when to go
The choice depends mainly on the route. The walk from the Lago di Fiastra dam to the Lame Rosse is recommended all year. The trail to the Fonte dell'Aquila, in Bolognola, is instead recommended from April to November, when there is no snow.
One thing to keep in mind in summer is the sheepdogs. They are a frequent encounter in the Sibillini in summer, when the flocks graze at high altitude. Anyone walking with their own dog should therefore expect to meet them, and in this period the leash becomes even more important.
To choose the time of year based on climate, blooms and views, see the dedicated pages: the Sibillini Mountains in spring, the Sibillini in summer, the Sibillini in fall and the Sibillini in winter. The general guide is the best time to visit the Sibillini Mountains.
The Sibillini Mountains with a dog: practical tips
Find out beforehand. The signs at the trailheads are the most direct check. Before a high-altitude outing, it is best to check trail accessibility with the Park Authority.
Sheepdogs. When meeting a flock, it is advisable not to run, not to shout and not to look the dogs in the eye, continuing calmly on your way. If the trail offers no alternative, it is better to wait for the sheep to move away than to cross the flock. The leash helps keep control of your own dog in these situations.
Wildlife. In the most sensitive areas, a dog can be a risk to protected wildlife. For this reason it is best to keep it close and respect the bans.
Water and safety. Tips for walking with a dog include always checking the Park regulations before leaving and bringing water and a bowl. On steep or exposed routes, letting the dog off the leash is not advisable. The leash, in any case, remains mandatory.
Planning the trip. To build a multi-day outing, a good starting point is the guide to planning a trip to the Sibillini Mountains. For directions, there is the guide how to get to the Sibillini Mountains.