A distinctive feature of this itinerary that winds through the mountains of the municipality of Viggianello, within the Pollino National Park, is the harmonious blend of rurality and wilderness.

After the rows of oaks at Vocolio, one comes to the hamlet of Prastio, nestled in a cultivated valley at the foot of the mountains. Here begins the forest road that leads to the extensive and wild Zaperna beech forest and then to the Visitone plateau.
Here also begins the most challenging and technical part of the trail, but also the most exciting, with total immersion in the silence of the forest.

Technical description:
The most technical part of the trail is encountered on the steep dirt climbs of the Zaperna Valley beech forest. Also challenging is the climb up the narrow asphalt road leading from Viggianello to Vocolio. After Piano Visitone the remaining part of the trail is almost all downhill.

The route, taken in reverse, is much less demanding and more enjoyable: in fact, one can ascend from Viggianello, along the provincial road, passing through the hamlet of Torno and then up to Visitone, to continue downhill to Zaperna-Prastio-Vocolio.

Route type: loop
Length: 42 km
Height difference in ascent: 1577 m
Height difference on descent: 1586 m
Highest point: 1421 m
Lowest point: 514 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Use at least a mid-range mountain bike. Helmet, gloves, first aid kit, backpack and windbreaker, spare inner tube, small tool kit.

Starting municipality:
San Severino Lucano

Place of departure: Mezzana Salice
Municipality of arrival:
San Severino Lucano

Place of arrival: Mezzana Salice

Recommended period:
June to November

Where to park:
You can start from either the Mercure Valley or the Frido Valley, both of which are included in the extensive municipality of Viggianello: in the first case, the ideal starting location is the village of Viggianello; in the second case, the hamlets of Varco, Conocchielle, Voscari (municipality of Viggianello), and Mezzana (municipality of San Severino Lucano).