Lac de Scapuccioli

Lac de Scapuccioli is a high-altitude lake in the Monte Rotondo massif in Corsica, sitting at 2,338 metres above sea level in Haute-Corse, in the upper Restonica valley near Corte. It neighbours the Lac de Bellebone and the Lac de Cavacciole (2,015 m) — together, Scapuccioli and Cavacciole feed the Ruisseau de Cavacciole, which flows down into the Restonica river and, further along, forms the well-known Grotelle waterfalls.

How do you get to Lac de Scapuccioli from Corte?

The starting point is Corte, from where the D623 road climbs about 16 km up the Restonica valley to the Bergeries de Grotelle, the sheepfolds where the paved road ends and the hiking trail begins. In summer, parking at Bergeries de Grotelle is a paid car park, and spaces can fill up quickly around midday.

What is the hike to the lake like?

From Bergeries de Grotelle, the route follows the Cavacciole stream valley upward, crossing alder thickets and scree slopes while keeping to the left bank of the stream. This is a far quieter corner of the Restonica valley than the well-trodden path to Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello. Near Lac de Scapuccioli itself there is no marked trail — only a scattering of cairns to guide the way — so reaching the lake calls for solid off-trail mountain hiking experience.

Who is this hike suited for?

The approach to Lac de Scapuccioli suits experienced mountain hikers who are comfortable moving over scree and unmarked ground. The lake sits along a route that continues toward the summit of A Maniccia (2,496 m), which is why it is often visited as one stage of a longer, full-day outing that combines both the Cavacciole and Scapuccioli lakes.

How is it different from the other Restonica valley lakes?

The upper Restonica valley holds several glacial lakes, and Lac de Scapuccioli is sometimes confused with the far better-known Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello, which sit lower down and are much easier to reach from Bergeries de Grotelle. Scapuccioli, together with its neighbours Cavacciole and Bellebone, lies higher up in a quieter side valley and demands a longer, more demanding approach with no waymarked path.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Scapuccioli? The lake sits at 2,338 metres above sea level, in the Monte Rotondo massif.

Where should you start the hike? From Corte, take the D623 road to Bergeries de Grotelle (about 16 km), where the walk up the Cavacciole stream valley begins.

Is the trail marked? The final stretch near the lake has no marked trail — only scattered cairns — so it requires real off-trail hiking experience.

Is this the same lake as Lac de Melo or Lac de Capitello? No. Melo and Capitello lie lower down and are much easier to access, while Scapuccioli, along with Cavacciole and Bellebone, sits higher up in a less-visited part of the Restonica valley.

Where does the trail lead beyond the lake? Toward the summit of A Maniccia (2,496 m), allowing hikers to combine both the Cavacciole and Scapuccioli lakes into one longer mountain outing.