Le Marche offers a wide range of landscapes, from gorges, canyons, and caves to mountains and coastline, as well as small villages and castles that create many possibilities for family trips with kids.
However, the question is specific: where can you find an easy trail suitable also for kids?
This guide presents a selection of ideas, with relevant information and maps.
While, if you’re interested in Cammini (not for kids), you can find a dedicated article covering them.
Before you start
First of all, it’s important to wear suitable clothing and, above all, appropriate footwear, trekking shoes rather than sandals, as these are nature walks. In summer, remember to bring hats, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, as well as a small first-aid kit with disinfectant and plasters.
These suggestions assume that kids are already comfortable with walking and are ideally 6 years old or above.
A Trail for Everyone, Forca di Presta
The Sentiero per Tutti (Trail for Everyone) at Forca di Presta, managed by the Monti Sibillini National Park, was created by the park authority with the aim of restoring a track that had been illegally opened in 1971.
Today, it is one of the area’s flagship routes thanks to its features (a length of 3.5 km at an altitude above 1500 metres), which make it a unique example in Italy, as it is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities, and, above all, fully accessible to the latter.
The trail starts near the Alpini Mountain Hut “G. Giacomini”, where you can park the car (search for Area Sosta Camper, Forca di Presta).
At the end of the trail, a wooden walkway leads to a mountain hut located near a panoramic viewing platform, an ideal observation point equipped with photographic panels illustrating the surrounding landscape.
Li Vurgacci, Pioraco
Just outside Pioraco, you can walk the “terrifying” Li Vurgacci Trail, an easy yet atmospheric nature path that runs alongside the Potenza River through the gorge carved by the water over time.
One of the highlights of this trail is the “Fossa dei Mostri” (Pit of the Monsters), a small natural clearing where local sculptor Antonio Ciccarelli carved large, striking “terrifying” faces directly into the rock.
The Li Vurgacci Trail can be reached via two main routes, both fairly easy, with one being more scenic and slightly longer.
- From the centre of Pioraco: starting directly from the town centre, you’ll find a small neo-Gothic shrine. Just behind it—though not very clearly signposted—the trail begins. This is the simplest access route.
- The panoramic route from Madonna della Grotta: this option is slightly more demanding and starts from the Sanctuary of Madonna della Grotta, just outside the town of Pioraco. The trail is well marked, and trekking shoes are recommended. The uphill section rewards walkers with beautiful panoramic views over Pioraco before joining the main path.
Sentiero Natura, Lago di Fiastra
The Lago di Fiastra Nature Trail is an easy, scenic walk of about 3 km (one way) that follows the eastern shore of the lake, from San Lorenzo al Lago to the dam. Suitable for families, pedestrians, and cyclists, it features pleasant viewpoints and accessible sections, and is often used as a base for reaching the well-known Lame Rosse nearby.
Lame Rosse, Lago di Fiastra
The Lame Rosse Trail, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Le Marche,” is one of the most striking routes in the Monti Sibillini National Park. The path winds through holm oak woodland and scree slopes, ending in front of spectacular red rock pinnacles shaped by erosion.
The main trail starts from the Lago di Fiastra dam. It is advisable to arrive early (ie. 9:00 a.m.) to find free parking near the dam. For parking, search for “Lame Rosse inizio percorso” location.
This is a trail classified as E (Escursionistico / Hiking). The route is almost entirely flat or gently uphill, except for the final section, which features a steep ascent on loose scree.
The trail is approximately 7 km long (round trip) with an elevation gain of about 200 metres. The average total walking time is around 3 hours. For this hike, bring trekking shoes (essential for the final scree section) and water, as there are no drinking fountains along the route.
Cascate Perdute, Sarnano
Near the historic centre of Sarnano, you’ll find three atmospheric waterfalls connected by a walking route known as the Via delle Cascate Perdute (Way of the Lost Waterfalls). This is an easy route, just under 6 km long, with very little elevation gain and only one short, steep section before reaching the Cascata dell’Antico Molino (Old Mill Waterfall).
The trail can be walked all year round with closed, non-slip footwear and is suitable for children and adults of all ages.
At present, the route connects three waterfalls: the Cascata dell’Antico Molino in the Piano area, the “de lu Vagnatò” Waterfall in the Morelli area, and the Cascatelle (Little Waterfalls) in the Romani area. Three fairy-tale settings immersed in woodland, yet just a short distance from Sarnano’s historic centre.
Along the route there are three large parking areas: one in Largo Bozzoni, very close to the historic centre; one near the sports facilities in Via Scarfiotti (close to the Cascata dell’Antico Molino); and another in the Morelli area.
It is recommended to park in Largo Bozzoni and start the walk from Piazza Perfetti, the beautiful panoramic terrace of the historic centre.
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