Valle dell'Orfento
Valle dell'Orfento is a nature reserve and park in a valley near Caramanico Terme with high rocky cliffs and thick forests. A river runs through it, creating a peaceful landscape with narrow paths that wind beside the water and some sections that are steep or rocky.
The valley was carved by water over many years and has long been protected as a nature reserve. Local people once used it for fishing and gathering wood from the forest, leaving small traces of their past presence in the landscape.
Local residents from nearby Caramanico Terme use the valley for day trips and walking. In spring, families come to see wildflowers blooming, while summer visitors seek the cool shade under the trees and sometimes swim in the river.
You can drive to the parking lot near Santa Croce and start your walk in the morning when it is cooler. The paths are sometimes steep and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water, and avoid visiting during heavy rain when the ground becomes slippery.
Visitors sometimes report that the river water sparkles like diamonds when the sun hits it at just the right angle on clear days. The less-explored parts of the area hide fossils and interesting stones that hikers occasionally find along the walking paths.
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