CAI Chestnut Festival

A mountain tradition on the Gran Sasso

The CAI Chestnut Festival is one of the most cherished autumn events in the municipality of Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia, in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo. For over thirty-five editions, the event has been organized by the Isola del Gran Sasso Section of the Italian Alpine Club, founded in 1921 by Dr. Nicola D'Arcangelo. It traditionally takes place in mid-October, when the Gran Sasso forests ignite with warm autumn hues.

The hike to the refuge

The day combines hiking with gastronomic conviviality. The meeting point and the festivities are usually held at the Nicola D'Arcangelo Refuge (1665 m), located in a spectacular position beneath the Paretone, the massive east face of the Corno Grande's Eastern Peak. The refuge can be reached via two classic routes:

• from the Teramo side, starting from Casale San Nicola, a hamlet of Isola, through the evocative beech forests of Fonte Nera and Lama Bianca at the foot of the Paretone;
• from the L'Aquila side, with a shorter and more panoramic walk from Campo Imperatore through Vado di Corno.

Depending on the edition, the section may choose other mountain huts, such as the Delfico Refuge or the San Nicola Refuge, confirming the final location in the days leading up to the event.

Flavors of Abruzzo at the refuge

Once at altitude, participants are greeted by the essential roasted chestnuts and a menu celebrating traditional Abruzzo cuisine: bruschetta with ventricina, tajarill e fasciul (tagliolini and beans), grilled sausages, and local wine, to welcome the arrival of winter in a festive atmosphere.

An event open to all

The Chestnut Festival is open to CAI members and non-members, families, and mountain enthusiasts. Participation requires advance booking at the Section's headquarters, located at Salita del Torrione 8, which is open every Friday evening. The initiative represents one of the most popular moments in the section's hiking calendar and an opportunity to discover one of the most authentic and least-frequented corners of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.