National Geographic Day Tour: Hiking Monte Raschio: Discovering the Ecology of a Centennial Beech Forest
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Port
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$179.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Take to the trail immediately upon your arrival in the small village of Oriolo Romano and head into a whole new world. Stand in awe at the majesty and glorious colors of the stately beech trees that surround you as you begin your circular hike through this protected area. This beech forest is part of the "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forest of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe," recognized in 2017 by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage of Humanity. This site includes 94 forests across 18 countries, making it a serial site with the highest ownership globally. Throughout the hike, learn the details of this ancient forest and its importance on a global level; the beeches of Monte Raschio are unusual in their kind, due to the heights they can reach. According to Alfredo di Filippo, Assistant Professor of Botany in the Department of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences of the Università della Tuscia in Viterbo and a National Geographic Explorer, the discovery of Monte Raschio must be considered as unique and exceptional; usually beech trees that reach these heights are found at much higher altitudes, not in hilly areas such as Monte Raschio. This is due to the fertility of the territory, which has a unique microclimate given its proximity to Lake Bracciano, abundant rains, and favorable soil conditions. In this case, the forests are called "depressed beech woods," a term that indicates the altitude at which the plant is, clearly below that normally occupied.
Notes:
Minimum age is 6 years. Tour includes approximately 5 miles (3 hours) of walking, including photo stops and walking breaks. The elevation gain is approximately 244 meters (800 feet). Wear sturdy non-skid hiking shoes. The terrain is unpaved and uneven. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water.