Cascata delle Ninfe

Cascata delle Ninfe in Civitella Alfedena is a waterfall in the Camosciara integral nature reserve, at the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. It drops in a narrow valley of mixed forest, at the base of a limestone wall and facing the rock face of Balzo della Chiesa (2,070 m).

Getting there

The starting point is the car park at the Camosciara reserve entrance near Civitella Alfedena. Visitors can walk the trail or ride the Trenino Turistico, a tourist train that runs from April to September. The trail follows the Scerto stream through beech and silver fir forest. Along the way it passes the Cascata delle Tre Cannelle first; from there the Cascata delle Ninfe is a further five minutes' walk. The waterfall marks the end of the trail.

Geology

The Scerto stream flows through a gorge carved by slightly acidic water into dolomite rock, giving the waterfall and its surroundings a distinctive layered appearance. The final approach ends beneath a limestone wall that forms a natural rocky amphitheatre.

The national park

The Camosciara is closed to motorised traffic. The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise covers more than 50,000 hectares and is one of the oldest national parks in Italy, home to the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine wolf and the Abruzzo chamois. Slopes are forested with beech and silver fir.

FAQ

When is the trail open? The trail and tourist train operate from March/April through September/October.

How long does the walk take? The Camosciara loop takes approximately three hours.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes – the route is family-friendly and the tourist train offers an easier option.