In the heart of the Monti Lucretili Park, there is a place that, due to its beauty and the shape of the landscape, resembles the typical Alpine scenery of Trentino, even though it is located in Lazio: this is the Lagustelli di Percile. This wetland, designated an absolute nature reserve and protected internationally by the Ramsar Convention (2008), consists of two picturesque bodies of water formed within karst sinkholes, created by ground collapse and rendered impermeable by clay sediments.
It is a village that is extremely easy to reach from the capital, ideal for a day trip. Distance approximately 55–60 km from the center of Rome, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
The Route to the Lakes (CAI Trail 307)
To reach the lakes, start from the central square of Percile (570 m above sea level). The route offers wonderful views of the Licenza Valley and the surrounding mountains (Pellecchia, Guardia, and Morico). Leaving the village, you ascend the Aone Valley surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. Along the way, you can admire the distinctive local limestone rocks, with hues ranging from gray to hazelnut.
After passing through a reforested area of conifers, you reach the Porcareccia forest shelter. From here on, the trail winds through oak trees and brambles, passing through areas where it is common to encounter animals grazing freely near the springs.
Lake Marraone and Lake Fraturno
After about an hour and a half of walking, you come to the first lake (674 m above sea level), hidden in a deep depression in the ground and partially concealed by vegetation. Lake Fraturno and the Ruins; a little further on, the view opens up to the second lake (704 m a.s.l.), much more visible and framed by a dense forest of firs, cypresses, and oaks. With a short climb of about half an hour behind the lake (trail 307B), you can also reach the ancient medieval ruins of Castel del Lago (772 m a.s.l.).
If you don’t want to tackle the entire hike from the village, you can drive part of the way from the village of Percile to a gate. Leaving your car there, the walk is reduced to just 2 km.
