Introduction: A spring route of considerable naturalistic satisfaction in a little-frequented area, which offers a small but curious glimpse of Lago di Scanno and of the bulk of Monte Genzana. Monte La Terratta is an easily reached summit; from here you can reach the Argatone with only a little more physical effort. The route is more demanding in winter: you reach the summit of La Terratta already tired and the last stretch towards the Argatone can be tiring.
Route characteristics: A moderately demanding route in terms of length and height gain. The route is only partly marked out and poorly waymarked in its upper part. The stretch through the wood along the stream is beautiful.
The story of this ascent can be read in the trip report Montagna Grande: Terratta and Argatone.
Route description
To reach the agriturismo (farm stay) you follow a white gravel road that first climbs a hill and then drops for a hundred metres or so. You continue on the path that follows the valley floor, then slowly climb up the Vallone della Terratta. Here you start following the stream of crystal-clear water up to the spring at 1470 m (1h 30m). The traces of path lead up through numerous tight bends. The path, in good condition, leaves us shortly before a first high clearing where we find old trees and low shrubs. Past the last band of trees, following an intuitive line, you bear left into a wide valley (the south-eastern side of La Terratta). Here you climb the grassy slope up to the ridge and, bearing right (North-West), you soon reach the summit of La Terratta (2208 m). From here, following the ridge line (very broad and rounded) North-West for about two kilometres, you reach the summit of Monte Argatone, recognisable by a green iron cross.
Variants and alternatives
The best-known variant is the ascent from Monte Rotondo. In Scanno you go to the chairlift and from there you either climb up along the ski runs or take the chairlift (depending on the season). From the top station of the lifts at 1610 m you follow the crest of the ridge to Monte Rotondo; bearing North-West you follow the ridge here too, passing first the Valico del Carapale and then climbing to the eastern summit of the Carapale and after that the summit of La Terratta. This route, however, is considerably longer than the previous one.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
How demanding is the ascent of La Terratta and the Argatone?
It's an EE route (Escursionisti Esperti, for experienced hikers): about 8 hours, 14.5 km and 1373 metres of total ascent. The main difficulty is route-finding after you leave the wood, where the waymarking becomes scarce and confusing.
What is the best time to climb La Terratta?
Spring, when the route gives its greatest naturalistic satisfaction. In winter it's more demanding: you reach La Terratta already tired and the last stretch towards the Argatone can be tiring.
