Technical Sheet
Starting and finishing point: Arrone
Distance: 10,5 km
Total ascent: 200 metres
Grade: easy
Road surface: 70% dirt, 30% sealed
Places to visit in the area: Arrone, Ferentillo, Montefranco, Terni, Marmore waterfall, Nera river park
This is probably the easiest trail suggested in this website and represents a great opportunity for families and mountain bike beginners. Its short length and almost completely flat surface make it suitable for everyone, and it is also particularly interesting for its natural beauty and some fun along the way. The trail starts just out of Arrone at the "Centro Escursioni-Scuola di MTB" (Excursion centre and MTB school), (Tel 0744/287686 – mob. 380/3088533 – www.umbriainmountainbike.it), where mountain bikes are rented and expert guides are available for several trails.
Just outside the mtb school, the trail turns left immediately along a narrow sealed road which goes up the Nera river towards Ferentillo. After 1 km, it turns left along the dirt road through the fields with lovely views of the valley. After an easy ride of 4,8 km, it arrives at Ferentillo: to the left there is a fountain where water bottles can be filled, while further ahead the natural cliffs used for alpine climbing and the Museum of Mummies can be seen.
Ferentillo is at the farthest end of the trail, and is the turning point for going back along the same road.
After 6km., the trail turns right into the dirt road leading to the Nera river. At 8,6 km, it leaves the dirt road and turns left along the banks of a small stream, crossing through a field for about 200m.
At 8,8km , it turns left and goes along one of the most exciting stretches of the trail: an easy ford across small stream (photo on right). At 8,9 km, it goes back along the main dirt road followed at the start and returns to the starting point.
Things not to miss
The historical centre of Arrone, a small fortified village built on a rocky outcrop on the left bank of the Nera river, the ruins of the Castle, the churches of San Giovanni Battista and Santa Maria. The nearby church of San Nicola, at Casteldilago, and the Santuario della Madonna dello Scoglio are also worth a visit.
Arrone, with its "Centro Escursioni - Scuola di Mtb" (Excursion Centre and MTB school), is a perfect place for sports tourism as it also caters for rafting, stream descents and canyoning.
The village of Ferentillo (photo on right), divided in two parts by the Nera river: Precetto and Matterella. Apart from the historical centre, where the Museum of Mummies is found, a visit to the abbey of San Pietro in Valle, one of the most interesting Medieval monuments in the area, is a must.
The city of Terni is only a few kilometres away, and a visit to nearby Montefranco is worthwhile.
Don’t forget the natural beauties of the Nera river park and the Nera valley (Valnerina), lake Piediluco and the Marmore waterfalls, both just a few kilometres from Arrone.
