The first leg of the Trekking “Parallel 39°56′” starts from San Lorenzo Bellizzi, a small village in the heart of the Pollino National Park, and reaches the summit of Mount Sparrowhawk, at 1,700 meters above sea level, in 11 km.
It is a path surrounded by greenery, offering great panoramic views. Overnight accommodation in tents and sleeping bags is provided near Riufgio di Lagoforano.

Technical description:
Justbeyond the Park House, in the Sgrotto district of San Lorenzo Bellizzi, is the Montagnella trail, which leads through a forest of turkey oaks to the “Crete Nere” location at the foot of Serra di Paola. From here take the dirt road that skirts the western slopes of Cozzo Sarcone and climbs toward Serra di Lagoforano, where the refuge of the same name is located (at 1,550 m. elevation).
It is a small stone hut equipped with a fireplace, located on a large plateau where herds of cows graze in the spring. Having set up base camp for the first bivouac, after a quick visit to the small lake a few dozen meters away from the hut, we aim for the summit of Mount Sparrowhawk (1,713 m. asl) by climbing its northwest ridge. Only a fifteen-minute walk separates the hut from the summit, so it is not a bad idea to wait here for a romantic sunset with a view of the Ionian coast, Mount Sellaro and the entire eastern slope of the Pollino Massif.

Length: 11 km
Height difference in ascent: 1044 m
Downhill elevation gain: 340 m
Highest point: 1713 m
Lowest point: 870 m

Technical tips:
Plan a support shuttle to carry food, tents and sleeping bags so that you can fully enjoy the hike without excessive weight.

Municipality of departure: San Lorenzo Belizzi
Starting location: Sgrotto Ward
Municipality of arrival: Alessandria del Carretto
Place of arrival: Lagoforano Refuge

r is spring or fall. In summer, beware of the scorching heat, preferably leaving early in the morning (especially for the lower altitude stages). In winter, the presence of snow and ice requires the use of technical equipment, such as ice axes and crampons.

Where to park:
At the parking lot of the Park House, in the Sgrotto neighborhood of San Lorenzo Bellizzi, one hundred meters before the entrance to the Montagnella trail.

Useful links:
http://www.avventurieridelsud.it/parallelo3956.html

This impressive loop trek crosses part of the Pollino National Park along Parallel 39.56., starting and returning from the village of San Lorenzo Bellizzi.

It was first explored in May 2018, when a group of carefree Veronese turned to the Park’s Official Guide, Luca D’Alba, to see the loricate pines and the Raganello Gorges, in one long route involving tent and sleeping bag bivouacs.

The route is 46 km long, divided into 4 daily stages, and passes through some of the park’s most characteristic natural areas, including timps, gorges, beech forests and loricate pines. The variety of wildlife and vegetation and the breathtaking views make this route truly unique-an authentic mountain experience to be enjoyed in any season.