In Laga Mountains, between Tordino and Vomano Valleys

From Cortino to Montorio al Vomano

• Involved Municipalities: Montorio al Vomano

From Teramo, following Valle del Tordino upstream along the SP road developing along the track of an ancient way of communication, you will reach Pagliaroli, municipal seat of Cortino, with the Church of S. Salvatore (14th century) built on a temple dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC.
From here, a trail accessible on foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike leads to Servillo and Casagreca, small villages that have almost been completely abandoned.
Going round the northern slope of Mt. Bilanciere, the valley becomes increasingly narrow with a series of small settlements, connected one with the other by "Sentiero del Tordino". From these settlements, interesting routes lead, on foot and in some cases on horseback and by mountain bike, to the overhanging Mt. Bilanciere (1,263m), extraordinary panoramic balcony dominating the whole valley. Near Pezzelle, the Church of St Paul (15th century) is worth a visit for its precious frescoes dating back to the 15th-16th century.

You will reach then Padula, a lap of "Sentiero Italia", you can follow with direction Ceppo or Cesacastina, and of "Sentiero del Tordino" coming from Teramo and leading to the springs of the river and the summit of Mt. Gorzano (2,458m). During wonderful tours on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike with departure also from the nearby Macchiatornella, surrounded by very beautiful beech tree woodlands, it is possible to reach Mt. Bilanciere, the settlements of Cortino and Altovia or the several and spectacular waterfalls of La Laga, housing in winter ice-climbing enthusiasts.
Once you are back in Pagliaroli, you will reach Cortino, where you can visit the Roe Deer Wildlife Area created at the edge of Cortino Fir Tree Woodland, a site of great naturalistic interest characterized by a significant presence of centuries-old silver firs. The Fir Tree Woodland is crossed by the Nature Trail "Abete Bianco" (Silver Fir) which, leading to Mt. Bilanciere, connects with the hiking itineraries coming from Valle del Tordino.
When you reach Piano Roseto, where you will find the ruins of the ancient Rocca, go ahead towards Montorio al Vomano, a town of medieval origins, rich in historical-architectural evidences, dominated by the rests of Forte S. Carlo. Without a doubt, the beautiful churches of San Rocco, Immacolata Concezione, San Filippo Neri, the Monastery of the Capuchin Friars, the important palaces, and the beautiful 14th-15th century noble houses with their precious portals and rich decorations are worth a visit.
From the nearby country hamlet of Cusciano it is possible to carry out beautiful tours on foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike towards Tossicia and Cerqueto.