The National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga covers an area of 150.000 hectares of protected land, 9.900 of which are in the Marche. It was established in 1995; the towns included in the park are Arquata del Tronto and Acquasanta Terme. Further south of the Sibillini Mountains, over the gorges carved out by the river Tronto, stand the Laga Mountains, that are the northern part of the national park, which also includes the Gran Sasso massif. Monti della Laga are made up of sandstone and marl; Mount Gorzano is the highest peak reaching 2,458 metres. In the park there are over 2,000 species of plants, such as the edelweiss of the Apennines and several rare orchids. While the Gran Sasso area is full of pastures , Monti della Laga are mainly covered with forests. The most widespread trees are: the beech, the holly, the maple, the lime, the ash, the fir and the mountain elm . The most typical animal living in the park is the chamois. There are also other animals like the deer, the roe deer , the wolf, the bear , the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon and the eagle owl . Beautiful excursions can be made all around the year; the mountains are also ideal for rock climbing, skiing, hiking or skiing. In winter time Laga waterfalls offer unusual and challenging routes for climbers.

Info
Center for Environment Education
Due Parchi
Fraz. Borgo
63096 Arquata del Tronto (AP)
Management: Cooperativa Forestalp
Tel. 071 9330066
info@forestalp.it