Walking Among the Beeches

A hike through the beech forests of Gran Sasso

Walking Among the Beeches is the annual autumn hiking event that the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) - "M. Ciotti" section of Arsita has been hosting for over twenty years in the municipality of Arsita, in the province of Teramo, in the heart of Abruzzo. The event takes place within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in one of the region's most fascinating natural areas, nestled between the Fino and Tavo valleys.

The route and the Inferno Spaccato Gorges

The meeting point is traditionally at Scaricasale, the starting point of the guided itinerary that winds through dense beech forests until it reaches the springs of the Fino River and the spectacular Inferno Spaccato Gorges. This is a rocky fissure about one hundred meters long, with walls dozens of meters high and a canyon that narrows to just a few meters in some sections: looking up, you can only catch a glimpse of the sky. The trail, maintained over the years by the volunteers of the Arsita CAI, combines nature, geology, and local history.

An event for all ages

The event is designed to be accessible and inclusive: the Arsita CAI sets up an alternative route dedicated to children under 13, who participate for free and take part in educational workshops in the woods. The organization, managed with great attention to detail, ensures safety and assistance along the entire route.

Music, tastings, and conviviality

Beyond the hike, "Walking Among the Beeches" offers moments of celebration and discovery: live musical performances (recent editions have featured string quartets), tastings of typical local products, and a convivial lunch based on Abruzzese gastronomic specialties. The day thus becomes a complete experience that blends hiking, culture, popular traditions, and the flavors of the Teramo territory.

Arsita and its surroundings

Arsita is a small mountain village in Abruzzo, nestled among the peaks of the Gran Sasso and rich in mountain traditions. The local section of the Italian Alpine Club, named after "M. Ciotti," promotes initiatives to enhance the natural heritage all year round, including excursions, chestnut festivals, and walks along the Fino Valley. "Walking Among the Beeches" is the flagship event of its autumn calendar, attracting hikers and enthusiasts from all over Abruzzo.