The fourth and final leg of the trek along Parallel 39°56′ is the shortest but also the most technical. It descends from Colle Marcione to the Raganello stream, crossing the “Scala di Barile,” a flight of steps in the rock with short climbing passages. Having forded the creek, we ascend to San Lorenzo Bellizzi, closing the loop.

Technical description:
From the Colle Marcione Refuge, take the trail down to the Murge dei Cappuccini, skirting the western slope of Timpa di Porace. The trail veers to the right in the direction of the Muletta Lookout, at the foot of the north ridge of Timpa di Cassano. With the imposing Timpa di San Lorenzo always in front, we overlook the Raganello Gorge by walking along a winding path through the holm oaks. The most challenging passage is the “Stairway of Barrel,” a flight of steps carved into the rock on which to climb.
At the end of the Staircase we reach the archaeological site of the Byzantine settlement of Palma Nocera. Thanks to a wooden bridge located a few hundred meters further downstream, it is possible to cross the stream and walk along the “Via dei Mulini,” a small path bordered by stone walls that climbs up to the historic center of San Lorenzo Bellizzi, skirting the ruins of ancient mills. In summer, before embarking on this last climb, one can take a dip in the natural pools of the creek for a refreshing bath.

Length: 8 km
Elevation gain: 576 m
Downhill elevation gain: 970 m
Highest point: 1220 m
Lowest point: 550 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: Civita
Starting location: Marcione Hill
Municipality of arrival: San Lorenzo Bellizzi
Place of arrival: Sgrotto Ward

The best time to take this tour 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.

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.