Double Mount San Paolo
A long-distance itinerary that explores all the trails of Mount San Paolo in the territories of Monte Grimano and Sassofeltrio:
- Ascent from the Suripe Trail to the Cross of Mount San Paolo
- Continuation along the Sulfur Water Trail of Sassofeltrio
- Descent via the Path of Secrets, passing by the Garibaldi Monument
The “Double Mount San Paolo” itinerary represents one of the most complete and scenic hiking routes in the Montegrimano Terme and Sassofeltrio area, offering an in-depth exploration of all the trails that cross Mount San Paolo (864 meters above sea level) in these two neighboring municipalities.
Departure: Monte Grimano Terme – Piazza Matteotti and Giardini Unità d’Italia
Offerta
Technical and Environmental Characteristics
Elevation and Distance
While precise data for the specific "Doppio Monte San Paolo" route may vary, based on connected trails we can estimate:
- Total Ascent (Elevation Gain): approx. 500-600 meters
- Length: approx. 12-15 km
- Duration: 3-4 hours for trekking, approx. 2 hours by MTB
Environment
The route crosses a highly diverse landscape:
- Chestnut and beech forests.
- Open pastures of Mount San Paolo.
- Scenic unpaved ridgelines.
- Valley zones with riparian vegetation (Sant'Anastasio Valley).
- Shaded woodland paths.
Trail Signage
The paths are marked with CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trail signs. They are part of the Monte Grimano Terme and Sassofeltrio trail network, which boasts a total of 75 km of cycling paths with 2,600 meters of total elevation gain.
Points of Interest
Historical
- Garibaldi Memorial (Cippo di Garibaldi): A monument commemorating Giuseppe Garibaldi's passage in 1849.
- Church of Suripe: An ancient church located along the trail.
- Medieval Routes: Ancient communication paths dating back to the Middle Ages.
Naturalistic
- Meleto Springs: Natural sources of sulfurous water.
- Sant'Anastasio Valley: A valley characterized by the presence of sulfurous springs.
- Mount San Paolo Pastures: High-altitude grazing lands (please ensure all gates are closed after passing).
- Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas overlooking San Marino, the Adriatic coast, Valmarecchia, and the Montefeltro region.
Practical Information
Access
The main starting point is easily accessible from the center of Monte Grimano Terme, in Piazza Matteotti. For those wishing to access the "Sulphurous Waters Trail" from Sassofeltrio, the reference point is Ca' Micci in the Sant'Anastasio Valley.
Recommended Periods
The trail is accessible from spring to autumn. The best times to visit are March–May for the spring blooms and September–October for the autumn colors (foliage).
Recommendations
- Fitness: A good level of physical training is required due to the elevation gain and distance.
- Pasture Gates: Always close gates behind you to respect local livestock.
- Safety: Always follow the official CAI signage.
- Water: Carry sufficient water, especially during the summer months.
Connection with Other Routes
The "Doppio Monte San Paolo" can be combined with other local itineraries:
- Village Loop (Giro del Borgo): A short route around the village of Monte Grimano Terme.
- Sassofeltrio Water Loop & Borromeo Way: Itineraries passing through the "Path of Secrets" and the Sassofeltrio waters.
- Magic Montefeltro (19 km, 600m ascent): A circular route including parts of the Mount San Paolo trails.
This itinerary is part of the trail system promoted by Bike-Advisor and Leurini Trail, highlighted through events such as the Granfondo La Via dei Borromeo and Ride4Bronz.
