The Sila Grande is renowned for its pines, in particular
the Pino Laricio, which resembles its northern alpine relatives.
The Park itself is crisscrossed with many nature trails that
were originally logging roads, which lead to some of the more
suggestive areas of the park. There is always the opportunity
to view wildlife along the way, and in fact there are several
designated areas reserved for fauna from whose periphery one
may observe the animals. Be sure to visit the attractive Visitor's
Center, where there is a fine museum on the park's natural history.
For the best possible introduction ask to speak with one of
the park guides, who lead guided walking tours of the park during
the summer.
Many interesting walks can be taken within the Sila Grande.
Starting from the Visitor Center, trail #1 is a brief (3km)
path that can also be done with a guide during the summer; here
there are illustrative tablets describing the park and the natural
environment within. Pass by a large fauna reserve, which presently
hosts a couple of deer, the male of which in the summer develops
great horns, while the female, without horns, is thinner and
more agile. For those who want to continue from here follow
trail #7 at the intersection (5km total). Pass through pure
stands of Pino Laricio and other typical, lush vegetation -
the climate here is ideal for plant growth, with the abundant
rainfall, the high altitude and the slightly acidic soil among
conditions contributing to the wide diversity of life.
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One
of the most interesting of the longer routes is trail #2. The first
part of the route climbs slightly through pure stands of Pino Laricio,
with both adult (80-100 years) and youth (35-40 years) trees. Keep
an eye out for the cute black squirrel during the climb to Cozzo
del Principe, whose heights afford superb views of the territory,
encompassing Lago Cecita. The path descends from here to Vivaio,
where in the spring one can observe deer at pasture. Return to the
Visitor Center on trails #3 and #6. Total distance about 12km.
Fossiato is a scenic picnic area well within the forest,
though just a few minutes drive from Lago Cecita Visitor Center.
From here the lovely trail #4 begins, a classic 9-km loop. This
trail may be the best introduction to the park's natural environment,
as it passes through a great stand of giant Pino Laricio. There
are 70 trees from some 230 years ago, over 40m high and average
diameter of 1.2m. Along the way one may observe deer, foxes, squirrels,
hares, and during the winter even the wolf.
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