Introduction: A walk that is not too long and very pleasant, worth repeating both in winter and in summer. The Ferroio di Scanno is a pass where a memorial plaque has been placed to commemorate the passage of Pope John Paul II. The Ferroio di Scanno is also one of the most spectacular and evocative viewpoints over the distant Monte Petroso.
Route characteristics: Route mainly on gravel road, always very wide and pleasantly panoramic. Waymarking present. There is not much chance of losing the way.
The climb to Serra di Rocca Chiarano and Rocca Chiarano also starts from Passo Godi.
Route description
The gravel road first climbs to a not very obvious fork, where you take the road on the left. Past a wide saddle the view opens onto the Cima di Capra Morta, a green pyramid, and, on our right, the valley of the Tasso. Through wide bends and turns you roughly keep to the contour line of the mountain until you drop down towards the Stazzo dello Zio Mas (a stazzo is a shepherds' stone enclosure), which in summer is used by the sheep farmers of the area.
Near the Zio Mas the gravel road tends to climb, and we find the signs for the “Monti della Corte” loop. At the next fork, which goes down towards the valley of the Tasso, keep left, following the gentle line of the mountain as far as the third fork. Here once again we keep left, skirting a low, rocky hill on its southern side. After one last small effort on traces of path you finally come in sight of the saddle where the plaque commemorating the passage of Pope John Paul II has been placed. In front of us the view of Monte Petroso in the distance is framed between the Monte Marsicano on the right and Monte Godi on our left. Return by the same way.
Variants and alternatives
An alternative is to climb directly from this point to the summit of Monte Godi, following the ridge line that branches off from the Ferroio di Scanno. As soon as you reach the high plateaus, bear north, first dropping down a few metres and then climbing back up to the summit.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Is the hike to the Ferroio di Scanno suitable for children?
Yes, without snow it is suitable for children from 8 years old: you walk almost all the time on a wide waymarked gravel road, with about 280 m of ascent and about 4 hours there and back. With soft snow it becomes more demanding.
Can you do the hike to the Ferroio di Scanno in winter?
Yes, the walk is pleasant both in summer and in winter, and the red-and-white waymarks on the gravel road stay clear even with snow. With soft snow cover, however, the effort increases: it is best to weigh up the conditions before setting off from Passo Godi.
