The Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, established in 1983, is the northern protected area of the system of Lazio parks and reserves and it extends over some 3,000 hectares, comprised in the territory of Acquapendente close to the border with Umbria and Tuscany.
The protected area, which is crossed by the river Paglia and furrowed by several tributaries, has a hilly territory covered for the most by woods offering a quite suggestive scenery. Alternating of small glades, pastures and conifer reafforestation creates a varied mosaic of natural environments, also featuring damp riparian woods, thickets of Mediterranean bush and the “trosce”, little seasonal ponds rich in life.
Inside the Reserve, we find many old farmhouses, once inhabited and now witnessing an ancient architectural tradition. Some have been restructured and transformed into holiday or cultural facilities available to tourists.
A complete network of trails, pathways and ancient rural roads permits the hikers to reach by foot, by horse or by bike, all the most significant places: from the top of Mount Rufeno (734 m.) to the sides of river Paglia.
