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
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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 a circular hike through this protected area.
This beech forest is part of the Ancient & Primeval Beech Forest of the Carpathians & Other Regions of Europe, recognized in 2017 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation includes 94 forests across 18 countries, making it a serial site with the highest ownership globally.
Throughout your hike, learn the details of this ancient forest and its importance on a global level. The beeches of Monte Raschio are unusually tall. Beech trees that reach this stature are normally found at much higher elevations. Monte Raschio's fertile soils and unique microclimate, proximity to Lake Bracciano, and abundant rains make for an ideal environment. This habitat is called "depressed beech woods" -- a term that indicates the plant is growing at a lower elevation than is typical.
Notes:
Minimum age is 6 years. Tour includes approximately five miles (three hours) of walking, including photo stops and breaks. Elevation gain is approximately 244 meters (800 feet). Wear sturdy non-skid hiking shoes. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, inclines, gravel, grass, rocks, rough trails, and steps. 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.