Monte Cerella ring

You start from the clearing at the foot of Guadagnolo, where there is also an information board about the protected area, and climb visibly on a wide path (trail 500) that takes you to the ridge. Turn left and reach the summit marked by a sign (altitude 1205 m). Here a stop is mandatory to admire the wide views which, on clear days, stretch all the way to the sea, and will accompany you for a while.

Descend, bypassing the spur, along a ridge between meadows and steps formed by karst rocks. The landscape begins to change: from arid and barren, as it was on the ridge, you start seeing the first trees; it is a wonderful natural environment where the only sign of human activity are the peaceful cows grazing.

Arriving at the Tre Confini locality, where you connect with trail 504, proceed on a grassy road that goes into the woods, first downhill then uphill, and gradually you pass from mixed woods to beech forest. Continue to climb until you reach a small saddle that opens up to views of the Giovenzano Valley, the Simbruini Mountains, the Cantari and the Ernici.

Here you have several options: you can turn right onto the dirt road (trail 504B) that bypasses the spur and reconnects with the summit trail to then return to the starting point; descend visibly to cross the paved road and shortly arrive at the Mentorella Sanctuary; or take the small descending path that leads to the Sanctuary parking lot, a route however not recommended from spring to autumn because it may be blocked by brambles.

The hike can be done at any time of year but is strongly discouraged in case of snow.