Monte Penna guided access trial

In August 2026 the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi launched a pilot scheme that restricts hiking on Monte Penna to groups escorted by park‑approved guides. The free service allows up to 25 participants per half‑hour slot on trail 225, runs from 08:30 to 18:30, and bans bicycles and horses to curb erosion and protect rare plant species. The Carabinieri Biodiversity Department oversees compliance.

The trial has generated mixed reactions: some local users and environmental groups criticize it as over‑regulation, while others welcome the effort to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Educational activities have accompanied the initiative, including a beach cleanup by three young girls in nearby Trani, highlighting community engagement and youth volunteerism.

Overall, the experiment aims to balance biodiversity protection with family‑friendly tourism by offering guided hikes that combine recreation with environmental education.