The Altolina Gorge between Pale and Belfiore

The small river Menotre rises about 30 km east of Foligno at Monte Mareggia. At Pale, it falls 300 meters into the deep through the Altolina gorge, with several waterfalls. A well signposted trail leads through the gorge, but it is quite steep and requires some physical fitness.

If you want to have it the easy way, you can start at the top of the trail at the small village Pale, and just walk downhill. This requires however that a driver is waiting for you at the lower parking lot or who walks uphill to meet you. (Admittedly, we "lazy girls" have asked Wolfgang to do this for us several times ...).

There are several impressive waterfalls, which also show the formation of tufa (travertine): Huge tree trunks have fallen into the waterfalls where lime deposits, so that the organic material gradually turns into stone (picture on the left).

But the best is a small pond at the lower end of a water sluice, which contains wonderfully cold water. You can swim there even in summer. It is like an enchanted green oasis, always cool, with huge ivy-overgrown trees and ferns (picture on the right).

The Devil's Gorge of Borgo Sala

South of Tavernelle there is another fantastic bathing place. However it is hard to find since there is no official hiking trail. The advantage is that you will have the place completely to yourself, as it is hidden in a deep valley. The starting point is the hamlet of Vignaie, which can be reached by car from Tavernelle. From there it is a walk of about ½ hour through forests and meadows, until one descends to the ravine. If you are on holiday at La Rogaia, we will provide you with a detailed description how to get there.