The “Talking Rocks” trail is a path that enhances the beauty of the views offered by the forest that cloaks the last stretch of Fosso Iannace, in the Pollino National Park.
You walk among huge ancient beech trees-with twisted roots and often dry branches slumped at the bottom of the gorge-between giant boulders and high rock walls. You arrive at the depression formed by the two rocky ridges of Timpa della Madonna, called Pietra Iaccata.
We then walk along the Rocky Garden Trail, characterized by the great botanical variety of trees and plants.

Technical description:
We start from the locality of Albanete (1175 m.) and follow a path through the thick vegetation of gorse, holm oaks, and dog roses. We then go into the beech forest to get to the gorges of Fosso Iannace (if there is no water it is better to go up a bit to overlook the gorges). Continue along the “Talking Rocks” trail, paying attention to the markers (the trail is not always obvious).
We then arrive at Pietra Iaccata and stop near the spectacular cliff. Turn back and take the Rocky Garden Trail that connects to the ridge and continue to the Shrine of the Madonna del Pollino.

Length: 5 km
Uphill elevation gain: 496 m
Downhill elevation gain: 501 m
Highest point: 1547 m
Lowest point: 1148 m

Technical tips:
Bring hiking shoes, windbreaker, gloves and hat, water bottle.

Starting municipality: San Severino Lucano
Starting location: San Severino Lucano
Municipality of arrival: San Severino Lucano
Location of arrival: San Severino Lucano

Recommended period:
March to December

Where to park:
In Albanete, at the trailhead (just past the heliport) on the way to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pollino.