In the mountains of western Corsica, near the charming village of Evisa, an easy, family-friendly forest walk leads through some of the island’s most beautiful chestnut woods. Along the shaded path winding through undisturbed nature, you will encounter free-roaming pigs and cows, with the occasional bird’s cry disturbing the perfect silence. The trail concludes at the Aitone natural pools and waterfalls, a tranquil place to splash and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS WALK
- The trail winds through Corsica’s most glorious forest, offering shade and cool air.
- Along the way, you will be entertained by interesting information panels presenting Corsica’s mountain traditions and local wildlife.
- The Verghio pass region is home to some of the island’s most pristine nature and thriving local wildlife.
- You will encounter free-roaming animals enjoying their natural habitat.
- The hike is fairly easy, making it a great option for family-friendly recreation in Corsica.
- Aitoine pools are simply magical, a mountain oasis of untouched beauty and peace.
- In July and August, when temperatures soar in the coastal areas, the cold river water at high altitudes offers a rejuvenating respite.
LOCATION
Although beautifully wild, the path to the Aitone pools offers one of the most accessible ways to experience Corsica’s mountain scenery. The hike leads through the island’s most remarkable forest, between the village of Evisa (830m) and Verghio Pass (1478m).
This high-altitude area, brimming with towering peaks, is dominated by majestic Corsican pines often reaching over 50 meters, along with ancient chestnut groves, beeches, and silver firs. These largely untouched woodlands stretching on steep slopes from 800 to over 2000 meters are a heaven for abundant wildlife such as wild boars, mouflons, eagles, nuthatches, and sparrowhawks. In the past, the pines, some nearly 500 years old, were much valued by the Genoese for their strong, durable wood used to make ship masts and furniture, while chestnuts played a vital role in sustaining local communities through famine and economic hardships.
Evisa, the nearest village, marks the starting point of the walk. Renowned for its authentic charm and the convivial Fête de Marron, Corsica’s largest chestnut festival held each November, it sits on the edge of Spelunca Gorge, where the popular Mare a Mare and Mare e Monti long-distance trails intersect.
BEST TIME TO EXPORE
Autumn is the most picturesque time to explore the forest paths of Aitone. After the summer’s heat, the air turns mild and gentle, while the deciduous foliage takes on vibrant shades of orange and gold, contrasting with the deep green backdrop of towering pines. As chestnuts ripen, local pigs forage beneath the trees. With fewer visitors, the trails offer a peaceful setting for relaxing strolls along the stream.
Spring is also a great time to visit. The Corsican mountains burst into life with a colourful display of wildflowers and fresh vegetation, infusing the air with sweet floral scents. Busy birds fill the forest with joyful songs, announcing the start of a new season.
Summer is ideal for splashing in the torrent’s cool, clear pools, although the water rarely warms above 15°C, even in August. The cascade’s easy accessibility means it becomes a popular destination in July and August, attracting many visitors passing through the island’s interior.
PARKING / DEPARTURE POINT
The hike starts at the car park in the northeastern part of Evisa, just off D84. Here are the coordinates of the exact place where you can leave your vehicle: 42.254126, 8.803915. In Google Maps, the departure point is marked as ‘Rando forêt châtaigniers’. Summertime and on weekends, arrive early to assure space. Locals are also keen walkers and often set out on family strolls along the forest’s paths.
From the parking lot, follow the road running up, signposted ‘Sentier des Châtaigniers’. A large information panel displayed on a stone wall features the entire trail with your actual location marked by a big red dot signed ‘vous etes ici’, which means ‘you are here’.
INFORMATION PANELS ON THE TRAIL
As you follow the trail through Aitone Forest towards the pools, you will come across a series of captivating information panels. These interesting displays tell the story of the land’s past-day farmers- their hard lives, traditions, and cultivation methods, also highlighting the diversity of the local fauna and flora.
Although the text is written in French, the accompanying pictures and illustrations make the history easy to grasp, offering a valuable educational experience, especially for children. Each panel also includes the trail’s map with your current location marked, allowing you to track your progress as you explore.
TRAIL
DISTANCE 6.4 km (round trip) ELEVATION 120 m TIME 2.5 h (round trip) DIFFICULTY easy/medium
The hike to Cascade d’Aitone is generally easy, with some steeper rocky sections in its middle part, requiring careful treading. You will need adapted walking footwear, water and snacks. I also like to use hiking poles. The journey can be divided into two sections. The 2-kilometre-long first one takes you from the car park through the woods to the D84 route, while the second covers a short stretch along the paved road, followed by the final forest track descending toward the pools. The path is clearly marked with orange paint (indicating the Mare a Mare Nord long-distance trail) and runs in a fairly straight line northeast from Evisa, culminating after approximately an hour’s walk at the pools.
TRAIL’S FIRST PART
As you set out on this old transhumance path, apart from a scattered artistic installation displayed along the trail, you may notice a somewhat pungent aroma filling the air, though some might call it the scent of nature itself. This comes from the nearby pig pastures, where these playful animals forage for chestnuts, leaves, and roots.
The path continues straight ahead, shaded by ancient groves, with information panels revealing the realities of the ancestral population’s lives. Along the way, you’ll pass the remnants of an old mill and cross a small wooden bridge over the stream, before finally arriving at the D84 road.
TRAIL’S SECOND PART
Once you reach the road, where cars are parked along the side, turn left and continue for 50 meters, staying on the left bank separated by rocks for safety. Follow the forest track that branches off into the woods, marked by a large information sign, and continue toward the pools. On your left, you’ll come across the Belvedere, a fantastic viewpoint offering an awe-inspiring panorama of the majestic Spelunca Gorge and its immense granite walls. When you arrive at Cascade de Aïtoune, proceed with caution as the rocks here are particularly slippery.
AITONE NATURAL POOLS
The stunning Cascade d’Aitone forms a series of emerald pools and small waterfalls that carve through a granite riverbed surrounded by pristine vegetation. You’ll also spot remnants of an old mill. Besides the most impressive basins known as the Piscines a Madre, there are many smaller, more intimate spots along the river. A narrow path runs along the torrent on the steep bank, but it requires agility and careful footing due to the very slippery rocks. Large, flat stones by the stream, shaded by dense greenery, provide an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon by the water.
ALTERNATIVE SHORTER OPTION
If you’re short on time and unable to enjoy the walk through the chestnut forest, you can reach the pools directly from the road. It’s only around 3 kilometres along the D84 from Evisa. You can park your vehicle in the lay-by before the entrance to the pools or along the roadside, without obstructing traffic. During summer, Cascade d’Aitone is a popular scenic picnic spot for travellers journeying from Porto to the eastern parts of the island.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Always check weather forecasts before heading into the mountains, as conditions in Corsica can change rapidly, with storms frequently developing at higher altitudes during the summer.
- Wear sneakers or hiking shoes to navigate the trail.
- Adapted water shoes with good traction are very useful on wet surfaces by the river.
- Mind every step on wet rocks; they are incredibly slippery, increasing the risk of ankle injuries.
- Don’t try to share your food with the pigs. They are guided by their healthy Corsican appetite and will hunt your lunch without hesitation.
- Lock your car doors and windows to prevent pigs from entering.
- Aitone pools water is very cold, oscillating around 10°C – 15°C in the summer months.
- Don’t drink the stream water.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA
- A hike to Cascade de Radule
- The charming village of Evisa
- Natural pools of the Spelunca gorge
- Pont de Pianella, a pretty Genoese bridge near Ota
- A beautiful yet challenging hike to Lac de Nino
- Ponte Altu, A Genoese bridge spanning Golo River in Albertacce
- A dramatic drive through the Scala di Santa Regina Canyon
TRAVELLER’S COMPANION FOR A TRIP TO CORSICA – GRAB YOUR EBOOK!
33 Natural Pools and Waterfalls in Corsica
Descriptions – Directions – Coordinates
VISIT CORSICA’S SUBLIME NATURAL POOLS – GRAB YOUR GUIDE
Discover Corsica’s glorious natural pools and waterfalls with a concise guide featuring 33 stunning river spots across the island. Perfect for wild swimming, family outings, and nature exploration, it provides clear access details, GPS parking coordinates, and nearby attractions. From peaceful basins to dramatic cascades, it helps you safely navigate the island’s rugged landscapes and uncover hidden gems beyond well-trodden tourist paths. Ideal for planning unforgettable outdoor adventures, this practical 51-page eBook may become your companion on an exciting journey to Corsica’s pristine rivers.
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All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. Always plan ahead and be cautious when preparing for your hikes. The author of this blog cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident, death, loss, personal injury, or any other inconvenience or damage that may be sustained by anyone as a result of the use of any information contained on this website.
