Sentierelsa

It is a 4-kilometer equipped route, proposed by ArciPesca of Colle Val d’Elsa and subsequently expanded by the Municipality within a protected area that allows you to come into close contact with this secluded and suggestive environment. The path starts from the San Marziale bridge and flanks the bed of the Elsa river up to the town of Ponte di Spugna. The first entrance, from the San Marziale bridge, opens onto the Steccaia and the Callone Reale which represent a great work of hydraulic engineering of the past that allowed part of the river water to be channeled and then used for irrigation. Water which in ancient times was the driving force for mills, then used for paper mills and ironworks, and finally for more modern industrial uses. After just 200 meters from the beginning of the path we find the spectacular Diborrat waterfall. From the highest observation point you can admire the waterfall in all its splendor with its 15 meters high and 10 deep, embedded between rocky and humid walls where the vegetation becomes more and more luxuriant. Continuing on the path, the path descends and under the waterfall there are the Grotte dell’Orso which take their name from the vague resemblance to the profile of this animal. Just 100 meters away from the river, you can reach an area equipped for picnics, where there is a huge flat stone, usually used as a table. After a few differences in height, the path leads to the Gore Rotte, where the entrance to the tree house is located, full of wooden bridges and walkways in perfect Tibetan style. Sentierelsa continues for another 2 kilometers until you reach the town of San Giorgio where there is a river crossing. The route ends at a short distance from the ruins of the old Ponte di Spugna, where the trail returns to the city. The picturesque path of Sentierelsa follows the bed of the Elsa river between steps, railings and fences and thanks to the particular climatic-environmental conditions you can admire unique flora-botanical species and a varied fish fauna. An unmissable route for children and adults.