🌲 Treja Valley Regional Park: Between Gorges and Hanging Villages

Where the river carves the tuff and history clings to the cliffs

The Treja Valley Regional Park, located between the municipalities of Calcata and Mazzano Romano, is one of the most enchanting destinations for lovers of nature walks and archaeology in the Tuscia region.Characterized by deep gorges carved into volcanic tuff, dense riparian forests, grassy highlands, and trails steeped in history and natural beauty, this park is a hidden gem just outside Rome and fully embedded in the green heart of Tuscia.

🍁 Best Time to Visit

The ideal seasons are spring and autumn, when colors peak and the climate is mild. Thanks to the abundance of shaded areas, summer is also enjoyable, especially for morning hikes along the river.

🗺️ Main Hiking Routes in Treja Park

1. From Monte Gelato to Calcata (via Mazzano Romano)

📏 7 km – ⏱ 3.5 to 4 hours – 🥾 Tourist / Hiking (T/E)🧭 Trails: 001 – 002 – 019

This is the most complete and spectacular route in the park. It starts at the Monte Gelato Waterfalls, an iconic and often-photographed spot where visitors can cool off in the clear Treja River. The path winds through wooded ravines, basalt stretches, wooden bridges, and scenic views of the river.

⚠️ Tip: wear non-slip footwear, especially if the trail is damp.🎯 Must-see: the village of Mazzano Romano, silent and charming, and Calcata, the famous cliff-top village inhabited by artists and dreamers.

🥾 Thematic Trails and Short Hikes

2. Trail 001: Fossi della Mola di Monte Gelato

⏱ 2 hours – 🥾 Hiking (E)📍 Ideal for exploring the area around the Monte Gelato waterfalls and old watermills. A loop trail, great for families too.

3. Trail 015: Narce

⏱ 45 minutes – 🥾 E📍 A historical and archaeological trail that leads to the ancient Faliscan city of Narce, offering panoramic views and visible ruins. An immersive trip into antiquity.

4. Trail 011: Monte Li Santi

⏱ 30 minutes – 🥾 E📍 A short but rewarding climb to an archaeological site overlooking the Treja Valley. Ideal as an add-on to a longer route.

5. Trail 009: Calcata – Santa Maria

⏱ 40 minutes – 🥾 E📍 A scenic walk through the woods to the rock-hewn sanctuary of Santa Maria di Castelvecchio.

🧭 Other Recommended CAI Trails (Short to Medium)

Trail	Name	Difficulty	Duration
007	Settecannelle	T	30 min
012	Suriano	T	15 min
017	Morgi	T	10 min
014	Grotticelli	E	30 min
016	I Tufi	E	1h 15 min
023	Conti Rotatonna	E	1 hour
013	Ceciuli	E	1h 15 min
018	Cavone di Monte Li Santi	T	5 min
006	Campagnano	E	20 min
021	Castellaccio	T	15 min
024	Capomandro	T	10 min
025	Petrina	T	10 min

🌿 A Park, a Thousand Paths

The Treja Valley Park is ideal for customized hikes, from relaxing riverside walks to archaeological discoveries to more adventurous trekking.You can build a day itinerary or a multi-day hike by combining several trails, visiting hilltop towns, and finishing with a refreshing dip at the waterfalls.