Hey there, fellow adventurers! Get ready to step into a world of natural wonder and tranquility as we take a thrilling escapade along the mesmerizing Tiber Rome.
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Tiber Rome
In this post from our "Hike by train series" we look at a nice, pleasant hike at Poggio Mirteto (Scalo). Experience the pristine and unspoiled beauty of the Tiber River before it reaches Rome with this trail—a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts! It goes without saying that this trail is conveniently connected by train, making it easily accessible. What’s more, the trail offers a predominantly flat terrain, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. For those seeking an extra challenge, consider extending the trail and exploring Nazzano, which adds a significant elevation gain to the overall experience.
What can you expect?
Prepare yourself for a delightful stroll through a picturesque setting that combines serene countryside, rolling hills, and the scenic Tiber River. Along the way, numerous stops offer opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in birdwatching, simply observing the vibrant avian life that inhabits this area. As you venture deeper into the trail, the surroundings become increasingly untamed, leading you to charming birdwatching houses. Finally, at the trail’s end, a delightful ecotourism spot awaits, inviting you to indulge in a leisurely lunch or a refreshing cup of coffee. Are you ready to explore? Let’s go! 🏞️🚶♀️
Highlights
- A protected oasis (a project by WWF Italy, Nazzano and ENEL)
- Great for birding / birdwatching 🐦👀
- Wetlands of international importance
- Nice views of the Tiber river
- Interesting info panels about birds along the way
Tech specs
- Official difficulty scale: T
- Best period to visit: April/May and September/October
- My difficulty assessment: Easy/Medium (the biggest challenge to some might be the heat in summer and the overall length – if you hike frequently, this will be easy for you).
- Elevation gain: 120m (excluding Nazzano), 280m (including Nazzano)
- Elevation loss: 120m (excluding Nazzano), 280m (including Nazzano)
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 15km (but you can also shorten the trip by returning at any point along the way)
- Time: about 4 hours (5 hours if you include Nazzano)
- Trail quality: Easy to walk and a straight path, mostly on a paved road
Some things to be aware of
⚠️🦮🐑🐮 There are agricultural companies nearby, so you might bump into free-roaming cows, sheep and dogs along the way.
⚠️🌊 It is not adviced to do this trail during or shortly after heavy rains, as it gets very muddy and also in case of extreme weather phenomena the river could flood the trail.
How to get there
By car
By car it’s about a 45 minute drive to get from Rome to Poggio Mirteto. You will have to drive North, which will probably means that you’ll be heading towards Via Salaria. After a very short drive on the Grande Raccordo Anulare, you’ll take a left turn to get onto the A1 highway, but then exit at Fiano Romano (the highway toll should be 1,50€). Continue in direction Rieti, until you start seeing the signs for Poggio Mirteto. You can park at the train station parking area.
By public transport
The average train to Poggio Mirteto takes about 49 minutes (from Tiburtina Train Station). Make sure you select Poggio Mirteto as you destination and not Poggio Mirteto Centro. The ticket costs 3€ (one way). Make sure to check the available departure times and connections on https://www.trenitalia.com.
Itinerary
Picture this: you hop off the train and instantly spot a charming little bar on your left, practically begging you to grab a cup of coffee, a refreshing water sip, or answer nature’s call in their restroom. With our energy levels topped up, it’s time to head south!
Following the pedestrian walkway, which seamlessly morphs into a narrow country road, we find ourselves crossing a quaint bridge over the Tiber. A left turn leads us down a peaceful side road, where we find the beginning of our trail!. The descent brings us face to face with the Tiber, as the trail beckons us forward, ready to ignite our sense of adventure.
Initially, the path winds its way past cozy houses and scattered agricultural factories. As we push deeper along the trail, the magic begins to unfold. To our left, the Tiber serenades us with its gentle flow, and here are plenty of hidden spots where we can cozy up to its banks, observe wildlife in their natural habitat, and marvel at the mesmerizing play of sunlight on the water. Oh, and did I mention the benches? Perfect for a breather or to enjoy a scrumptious snack while immersing ourselves in this peaceful paradise.
The terrain remains mostly flat, making it a breeze to navigate. And just when you think you’ve experienced it all, you stumble upon these (admittedly, somewhat older) birdwatching stations. They’re like a dream come true for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Now, for those feeling extra adventurous, you might decide to also hike up Nazzano. This charming town is just a stone’s throw away from our current path, and it’s an optional detour – it’s a very small town and worth it if you are interested in the Castle Savelli (currently closed) or the River Museum (Museo del Fiume). If you have no real reason to to there, it might not be worth it as it adds quite a bit of elevation gain to the hike, which may be a bit too much for some. And for the hungry souls among us, there’s an Eco-Restaurant nearby (they also have rooms and they offer activities on water), but remember to give them a ring beforehand during peak season. It’s always best to secure a table if you want to enjoy a feast fit for explorers like us!
But wait, there’s more! Brace yourselves for an alternative return experience. At certain times of the year, you can hop aboard a boat and cruise your way back (prices, availability and itinerary can be requested calling this number: +39 347- 6104110), soaking in the scenery from a whole new perspective.
As we reminisce about the wonders we encountered along the Tiber Trail, we can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility and awe.
Allow the melody of chirping birds and the gentle whispers of the river to guide your steps, as you create unforgettable memories that will have you itching for your next expedition.
The Tiber awaits!
Want to get more out of this hiking experience?
- Book a guided hike with a certified hiking guide, to enjoy this experience in safety and to learn more about the flora, fauna, and to discover some hidden gems along the way!
Reach out to learn about our private hike and group hike availabilities. - Alternatively, purchase a self-guided hike for a highly detailed trail description, local tips, and everything you need to start exploring on your own safely and organized: Get in touch with us to learn more.
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