Sixth stage Ciclovia dei Parchi in Calabria

Description

From Lorica, which is one of the best-equipped tourist centres in Sila, the route sets off in the direction of Rovale (1350 m), a small and charming holiday resort located at the north-eastern end of Lake Arvo. The route proceeds uphill with gradients approaching 7 per cent, passing through a lush forest of pine and beech trees. At km 16, a slight descent begins, on which the Ciclovia crosses the Cammino di Gioacchino da Fiore. Reaching an altitude of 1380 m at km 26.4, after a series of ups and downs we reach Lake Ampollino (1282 m), the watershed between Sila Grande and Sila Piccola, arriving near Trepidò where the Water and Energy Museum Visitor Centre is located. The route skirts the lake for about 13 km, crossing a short pleasant stretch, and then proceeds in a southerly direction towards Borgo di Torre Spineto, which is reached at 44.7 km. After passing the hamlet of Manco Spineto Migliari, the route is immediately challenging, climbing to an altitude of 1435 m and then descending again at Fontana dei Monaci and climbing again to cross the highest point of the stage at 1439 m. From here begins a magnificent descent that quickly leads to Villaggio Racise and, after slight ups and downs, to Villaggio Mancuso, the well-known holiday resort with charming wooden huts built in the first half of the 20th century (1304 m).