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Riserva Naturale Bosco dei Rocconi: A Tuscan Wilderness

Explore a captivating Tuscan nature preserve with diverse flora, fauna, and stunning landscapes in the heart of the Province of Grosseto.

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The Riserva Naturale Bosco dei Rocconi, nestled in the Province of Grosseto, offers a captivating escape into a lush woodland characterized by diverse flora and fauna. This protected area features steep rocky walls, deep gorges, and dense forests, bisected by the Albegna River and Rigo stream.

A brief summary to Riserva naturale Bosco dei Rocconi

  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching, as many species frequent the area.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven and rugged.
  • Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in natural areas.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the peaceful clearings within the reserve.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Riserva Naturale Bosco dei Rocconi is best reached by car. From Grosseto, take the SS323 towards Roccalbegna. If coming from the north on the Grosseto-Siena highway, exit at Paganico and follow signs for Arcidosso, then Roccalbegna. From Roccalbegna, follow the signs to the Bosco Rocconi. Be aware that the road for the final 4 km can be rough. Parking is available near the entrance of the WWF Oasis. Contact the reserve in advance to confirm opening hours and accessibility.

  • Walking

    For those staying in Roccalbegna, it is possible to walk to the Riserva Naturale Bosco dei Rocconi. From the center of Roccalbegna, follow the road towards the Oasi WWF Bosco Rocconi. The walk is approximately 6 km and will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike with some elevation gain. The path leads through varied terrain, including paved roads and dirt tracks. Ensure you have comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

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Discover more about Riserva naturale Bosco dei Rocconi

The Riserva Naturale Bosco dei Rocconi, located in the Alta Valle dell'Albegna, spans the territories of Semproniano and Roccalbegna. The reserve covers 371 hectares, including a WWF-owned oasis of 130 hectares. The landscape is marked by dramatic changes in elevation, from 500 meters in the north to 200 meters in the south. This creates a varied terrain of massive limestone cliffs, caves like the Crepaccio di Rocconi, and the Maremma hinterland. The reserve's vegetation is primarily wooded, featuring mixed forests of oak and Turkey oak, with ash, hornbeam, maple, pear, apple, cherry, and service trees. Holm oak forests dominate the western slopes of the Rigo and Albegna rivers. The southern part of the reserve transitions into olive groves, meadows, pastures, and small cultivated fields, bordered by hawthorn, bramble, elm, blackthorn, and dogwood hedges. The calcareous soil supports around 30 species of orchids. The Bosco dei Rocconi is home to diverse wildlife, including Hermann's tortoise, the four-lined snake, and various reptiles. Mammals include wild cats, martens, badgers, and occasionally wolves. The reserve is particularly significant for its birdlife, hosting rare diurnal birds of prey like the short-toed eagle and the lanner falcon. Other notable bird species include the peregrine falcon, blue rock thrush, wallcreeper, and dipper. The caves provide habitat for the Polyxena butterfly and the Etruscan Dolichopoda laetitiae cricket. Visitors can explore the reserve via hiking, biking, or horseback riding on a 6 km trail that takes approximately 3-4 hours. The WWF oasis within the reserve is accessible from Strada Statale 323 at km 49.

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