Introduction: short and easy to do, the climb to Monte Cagno is a classic hike to do in summer with the family; in winter with snowshoes or skis. On the summit stands a huge solid wooden cross that welcomes the hiker with a particular warmth. From the summit you can enjoy, looking east, a wide view over the Altopiano delle Rocche (Rocca di Mezzo and Rocca di Cambio) as far as the meadows of the Sirente.
Features of the route: The route is well waymarked as far as the Vallone delle Canavine, with plenty of options for numerous variants, worthwhile even for more seasoned hikers.
On the way back you can stop at the Caseificio di Campo Felice.
Route description
Along the SS584 state road to the ski lifts, you leave the car where a dirt track turns off to the right, not far from the car parks of the Campo Felice ski lifts. This is the handiest place to leave the car; you go down into the meadows in front of the ridge of Monte Cefalone. A drivable track takes you to the start of the dirt track that climbs alongside the ridge up to the saddle of the Forcamiccia.
Forcamiccia. The dirt track that climbs to the Forcamiccia cuts across the ridge; you climb comfortably and gradually up to the col, where the vegetation stays lush because it is sheltered from the cold air currents coming from Campo Felice. (Time needed 45 min from the start)
Vallone delle Canavine. From the col you cross the wood on a path that slowly bends to the left, skirting the eastern ridge of Monte Cefalone. The Vallone delle Canavine is well waymarked by path number 10 on the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) maps, which climbs up to the Sella di Settacque. (Time needed 45 min, for a total of 1h 30m from the start)
From the wide Vallone delle Canavine you leave path no. 10, skirting a gentle hill but keeping on your right the Vallone dello Iaccio, which goes down towards Rocca di Cambio. You slowly enter a grassy hollow marked by a few signs of erosion. The valley leads straight to the summit of Monte Cagno (2153 m), easy to pick out thanks to the huge wooden cross planted on its top. (Time needed 50 min, for a total of 2h 20m from the start)
Variants and alternatives
VARIANT 1: The first possible variant is to follow the ridge that leads from Monte Cagno straight to Monte d'Ocre, extending the hike by about an hour's walk. In this case the descent by the Vallone di Settacque and the Canavine is quick and intuitive and follows the obvious traces of the path.
VARIANT 2: Coming down from Monte Cagno by the same way as on the ascent, instead of taking the Vallone delle Canavine on the left you can carry on along the path that, bending to the right, climbs the north-eastern ridge of Monte Cefalone, a summit you can reach in just forty-five minutes. Great view over Campo Felice and the Puzzillo-Cornacchia subgroup.
The return is by the same way.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Monte Cagno via the Forcamiccia?
From the start you need about 45 minutes to the Forcamiccia, another 45 to the Vallone delle Canavine and 50 to the summit: about 2 hours 20 minutes of ascent in all. The return is by the same way.
Is the climb to Monte Cagno suitable for children?
Yes, the fact sheet recommends it for ages 8-10: grade E+ (Escursionistico, a hiking path; the "+" means the upper end of the grade), no technical difficulties and 700 m of total ascent. In winter, with snowshoes or skis, it is more demanding; in fog be careful not to take the track that climbs up from Rocca di Cambio.
