Hello everyone! I am Marco Peli, a certified canyoning instructor, and today I want to tell you about one of the most fascinating regions in Italy to practice this adventurous activity: Canyoning in Umbria.
Canyoning Umbria: Why is it called a Paradise for this activity?
Umbria is a region that offers an incredible variety of canyoning routes, thanks to its numerous rivers, torrents and streams. Between natural parks such as the Parco Fluviale del Nera, the Monti Sibillini National Park and the Parco Fluviale del Tevere, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in natural scenery of rare beauty. E non dimentichiamo le Cascate delle Marmore, le più grandi d’Italia, che offrono uno dei migliori percorsi di canyoning in Europa.
The Best Canyoning Trails in Umbria
L’Umbria ci da la possibilità di sbizzarrirci ne praticare torrentismo. The courses are many and for all levels
Canyoning Perugia
We start with 4 routes in the province of Perugia to be chosen according to personal and physical level.
1. Fiume Nera (Scheggino): An Adventure Trail in the Heart of the Nera Valley
The Rocca Gelli gorges offer seven waterfalls, some up to 16 metres high, and beautiful river pools. It is an excellent starting point for beginners.
The River Nera near Scheggino is one of the most popular destinations for canyoning enthusiasts in Umbria. This route winds through the fascinating Rocca Gelli gorges, located in the heart of the Valnerina, one of the most enchanting valleys in the region. The itinerary begins in Piedipaterno, a picturesque village that serves as an ideal starting point for this canyoning adventure in Umbria.
Once in the water, seven breathtaking waterfalls, some of which reach a height of 16 metres, await you, interspersed with river pools of crystal-clear water where you can take a break and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The route offers a variety of challenges and landscapes: from bubbling waterfalls to tranquil pools of water, from natural slides to rock walls to climb. Each section of the course offers something new, keeping the adrenaline high and the interest alive. And for the more daring, some of the deeper pools offer the opportunity for spectacular dives.
If you are looking for a canyoning experience that offers the perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty, the Fiume Nera in Scheggino is definitely one of the best options in Umbria.
Canyoning Nera River (Scheggino) in brief
- Distance: about 3-4 km. The route is of moderate length, making it suitable for a half-day activity.
- Difficulty: Medium-Low. This route is ideal for both beginners and those who already have some canyoning experience.
- Rising: Moderate. The itinerary includes some sections requiring the use of ropes and harnesses, which will be provided by the qualified instructors.
2. Fiume Nera (Ceselli): An Expert Path in the Casco Gorge
Qui troverete cascate formate dai torrenti che scorrono lungo la Forra del Casco. This is an advanced route, ideal if you are near Spoleto.
The stretch of the River Nera near Ceselli is a real gem for canyoning enthusiasts. This route is located in the Forra del Casco, one of the most spectacular areas of the Valnerina. The route starts in the small village of Ceselli and takes you through a series of waterfalls and deep gorges formed by streams joining the River Nera. The wild, unspoilt beauty of this stretch makes for an unforgettable experience, but it is also a challenge that requires some preparation and skill.
Canyoning Nera River (Caselli) in brief
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 km. This is a longer and more challenging route, ideal for a full day of canyoning.
- Difficulty: High. This is an advanced route that requires a good knowledge of canyoning techniques and an appropriate level of fitness.
- Ascent: Challenging. There are several sections that require the use of technical equipment such as ropes, carabiners and harnesses, all provided by experienced instructors.
The route is a mix of spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and pools of crystal-clear water. Some of the waterfalls are quite high and offer the possibility of adrenaline jumps.
The narrow gorges and rock faces require a certain amount of skill in climbing and the use of technical equipment. All this makes the Nera River route in Ceselli one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences for canyoning enthusiasts.
If you are looking for an adventure that tests your skills and offers breathtaking views, the Nera River in Ceselli is the destination for you. Get ready for an unforgettable day full of challenges and natural beauty.
3. Fiume Corno (Serravalle di Norcia): A Versatile Route between Gorges and Ponds
Offre sia percorsi lunghi che brevi e facili, perfetti per una nuotata nelle limpide acque delle gole di Biselli.
The River Corno, located near Serravalle di Norcia, is another unmissable place for canyoning enthusiasts in Umbria. This route offers a variety of experiences, with its Biselli gorges winding through a natural landscape of rare beauty. The route begins in the picturesque village of Serravalle and takes you through a series of waterfalls, gorges and pools of clear water, offering both long and short, easy routes.
Canyoning Fiume Corno (Serravalle di Norcia) in brief
- Distance: Varies between 2 and 5 km. A seconda del percorso scelto, potete optare per un’avventura di mezza giornata o di una giornata intera.
- Difficulty: Medium. The River Corno offers routes suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts.
- Ascent: Variable. Some sections are quite easy and require no special equipment, while others may require the use of ropes and harnesses.
The route is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The waterfalls offer excellent spots for diving and jumping, while the water pools are ideal places to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The Biselli gorges, in particular, are known for their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, making each passage an unforgettable experience.
If you are looking for a canyoning route that offers a variety of experiences and scenarios, the Fiume Corno in Serravalle di Norcia is the right choice. With its flexible options and surrounding natural beauty, it is a place that will satisfy the needs of any adventurer.
4. Torrente Menòtre (Foligno): A Summer Route for Adventurers
This route is more demanding and is generally only practised in summer.
The Torrente Menòtre, located near the city of Foligno, is a canyoning route that is characterised by its challenging nature and the fact that it is generally only practicable in summer. This torrent flows through a series of gorges and waterfalls, offering a canyoning experience that is both technical and exciting. The route starts near Pale, a hamlet of Foligno, and takes you through a series of technical challenges, including high waterfalls and narrow gorges.
Canyoning Torrente Menòtre (Foligno) in brief
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 km. This is a route that requires good physical preparation, ideal for a full day of canyoning.
- Difficulty: High. Due to its technical characteristics and variable conditions, it is only recommended for those with some experience in canyoning.
- Ascent: Challenging. The route includes several sections that require the use of technical equipment, such as ropes and carabiners, which will be provided by experienced instructors.
The Menòtre Torrent is known for its spectacular waterfalls and deep gorges, which offer an adrenaline-pumping experience for experienced adventurers. The technical sections of the route require a good knowledge of canyoning techniques, including the use of specialised equipment and the ability to tackle difficult passages. All this makes this route one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, in Umbria.
If you are looking for an extreme adventure that will test your skills and offer an unforgettable experience, the Torrente Menòtre in Foligno is the destination for you. Get ready for a day of challenges and thrills on one of the most exciting canyoning routes in the region.
Canyoning Terni
Now it is the turn of the province of Terni. I would like to point out 2 interesting Canyoning Umbria routes in the province of Terni.
1. River Nera (Prodo): A Medium-High Level Experience in the Orvieto Gorge
Near Orvieto, it offers narrow, rocky gorges, ideal for a medium to high level canyoning experience.
The section of the River Nera near Prodo, near Orvieto, is a canyoning route that offers a medium-high level experience. This route winds through narrow, rocky gorges, offering a mix of technical challenges and breathtaking scenery. The adventure begins in the small village of Prodo and takes you through a series of waterfalls, gorges and pools of water, culminating in the spectacular Devil’s Den, a succession of karstic caves, and the canyon of Fosso del Bango.
Canyoning Nera River (Prodo) in brief
- Distance: about 4 km. This route is of moderate length, but requires good physical preparation due to its technical challenges.
- Difficulty: Medium-High. It is recommended for those who already have some experience in canyoning and wish to take on more demanding challenges.
- Rising: Moderate. Although not one of the most difficult routes in terms of ascent, some sections require the use of technical equipment such as ropes and harnesses.
Canyoning Umbria: The River Nera in Prodo offers a variety of experiences, from bubbling waterfalls to calm pools of water, from narrow and technical passages to large areas where you can relax and enjoy nature. The Devil’s Den and the Fosso del Bango canyon are particularly remarkable for their natural beauty and the technical challenges they offer.
If you are looking for a canyoning route that offers a combination of adventure and challenge, the Nera River in Prodo is an excellent choice. With its narrow gorges and spectacular waterfalls, it is a route that will leave you breathless, both for its beauty and its challenges.
2. Fiume Nera (Fabro): A Journey to the Devil’s Lairs and the Canyon of Fosso del Bango
Here you will find the Devil’s Lairs, a succession of karstic caves, and the canyon of Fosso del Bango.
The stretch of the River Nera near Fabro is a canyoning route that offers a unique and adventurous experience. This route is particularly well known for its characteristic karstic caves known as the ‘Devil’s dens’ and the Fosso del Bango canyon. The adventure begins in the charming village of Fabro and takes you through a series of waterfalls, gorges and pools of water, offering a mix of technical challenges and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Canyoning Fiume Nera (Fabro) in brief
- Distance: about 3-4 km. This is a route of moderate length, ideal for a half or full day of canyoning, depending on your pace.
- Difficulty: Medium. This route is suitable for those who are already familiar with canyoning and wish to explore new levels of challenge.
- Rising: Moderate. Some sections of the route require the use of technical equipment such as ropes and harnesses, which will be provided by the experienced instructors.
The Fiume Nera in Fabro offers a variety of experiences, from spectacular waterfalls to tranquil pools of water, from narrow and technical passages to large areas where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The Devil’s Lairs and the Fosso del Bango canyon are particularly fascinating, offering a mix of technical challenges and unforgettable natural panoramas.
If you are looking for a canyoning experience that offers a combination of adventure, challenge and natural beauty, the Fiume Nera in Fabro is an excellent choice. With its fascinating gorges and breathtaking waterfalls, it is a route that promises an unforgettable adventure.
Canyoning Umbria – Some Final Thoughts
- Suitable for All: In Umbria, there are routes suitable for both beginners and experts, so there is no need to worry if you are new to this activity.
- Costs for Canyoning in Umbria: Prices for canyoning in Umbria are generally inexpensive, making this activity accessible to all.
- Equipment: You don’t have to worry about equipment; local companies provide everything you need, from wetsuits to ropes.
I hope this information has been useful to you and I invite you to discover the wonders of canyoning in Umbria. See you soon on the rocks!
