Introduction to Monte Preone
Monte Preone rises in the Monti della Laga range of Abruzzo, inside Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. The mountain offers hikers a quieter alternative to the better-known Gran Sasso massif, with open ridges, beech woods, and distant views toward the Adriatic and the highest Apennine peaks.
How to Get There
The nearest sizable town is Amatrice in Lazio, roughly 25 minutes by car. From Amatrice follow the SP 577 toward Campotosto and turn onto the unpaved forest road that climbs toward the Rifugio Monte Gorzano trailhead. Public transport is limited; a rental car or taxi from L’Aquila (about 75 minutes) is the most practical option. Parking areas at the start of the main paths are free and usually available outside summer weekends.
Best Time to Visit
Late May through early October provides the most reliable conditions. Snow lingers into May on north-facing slopes, while October brings clear skies and autumn color in the beech forests. Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable.
Recommended Trails
- The south ridge from the forest road offers a steady 2.5-hour ascent through open pasture to the summit cross.
- A longer loop via Monte Gorzano (2,458 m) adds another three hours and traverses the highest point in the immediate range.
- Wildflower enthusiasts favor the east-face path in June when gentians and alpine roses carpet the slopes.
What to See and Do
From the summit, clear days reveal the Gran Sasso’s Corno Grande to the northwest and the Maiella massif to the southeast. Birdwatchers often spot golden eagles and choughs. In autumn, foragers collect porcini mushrooms along the lower trails with a permit from the park authority. No technical climbing gear is required for the standard routes, though the final 200 m to the summit involves loose scree best handled with trekking poles.
Nearby Attractions
Combine a Monte Preone hike with a visit to the medieval village of Amatrice for its famous pasta all’amatriciana or continue north to the clear waters of Lago di Campotosto for a picnic. The historic town of L’Aquila, with its restored Spanish Fortress and vibrant café scene, lies just over an hour away by road.
