Enjoy an adventurous journey to the epic landscapes of Lake Nino, a green high-altitude oasis surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and ancient forests. The magical Tibet-like plateau is home to beautiful wild horses grazing in lush meadows riddled with freshwater pools. Famous grassy pozzi also support a variety of plant species protected and preserved by the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
On route of the iconic GR20 trail, Lac de Nino remains one of the island’s most fascinating natural attractions providing breathtaking scenery for a relaxing picnic.
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LAC DE NINO
Lac de Nino, Corsica’s second-largest lake, is located at an altitude of 1743 m and it occupies 6.3 ha within the Camputile Plateau. The beautiful valley of enchanting meadows and picturesque crystal clear water pozzi is situated in central Corsica. 11 m deep it stays frozen for up to 6 months a year while the pastures are green until early July turning brown with the arrival of the hottest summer period. The lake also serves as a source of Tavignano, Corsica’s second-largest river flowing east into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Lush green landscapes of the plateau form a habitat for Corsica’s rare endemic plants and animals with the marshy grassland playing an important role in regulating the flow of the river during the drought season. Above all, it is considered one of Corsica’s most emblematic hiking destinations.
LOCATION OF LAC DE NINO
Lac de Nino is situated in the heart of the Niolo Valley, also known as the land of shepherds, surrounded by Corsica’s highest mountains carpeted by dense Valdo-Niolo forest. The finest specimens of the Liricio Pine include 500 years-old and 40 meters-tall trees that provide shelter to remarkable species of fauna such as the Golden Eagle, Corsican Fire Salamander, Bedriaga’s Rock Lizard, bats or Salmo Macrostigma trout.
The ancient forest is crossed by numerous hiking trails- GR20, Mare a Mare Nord, or the Cascades de Radule trek. The path leading to Lac de Nino starts off the D84 road 14 km southwest of Calaccucia and 7 km from the Verghio pass, by the Poppaghja forest house.
LAC DE NINO – TRAIL
The mythical hike starts at the maison forestière of Poppaghia (1076 m) on D84. At the car park take a yellow-marked path through the Valdo-Niolo forest following a mountain stream up to the Bergeries de Colga (1411 m), a perfect spot to admire celebrated Corsican mountains, Paglia Orba and Capu Tafunatu. For the first hour, the trail gently climbs up just above the tree line posing no real difficulties.
From the Colga sheepfold, the ascent becomes strenuous and technically demanding. A steep rocky path exposed to strong high-altitude sun rays requires some scrambling across the larger slabs. The hard 1.5-hour climb leads to the Bocca a Stazzone pass (1762 m) boasting superb views of Monte Rotondo and the Monte Cinto Massif towering above the idyllic Lac de Nino. Near the top, past the stream, an iron cross points in the direction of the Bocca.
The trail finishes with a short 15-minute descent to the edge of the lake. Serene banks of Nino frequented by grazing horses and cows offer a unique retreat that allows to experience Corsica’s wild otherworldly beauty. Swimming in the lake, however, is strictly forbidden.
To return to the starting point follow the same path. This very technical descent, by many visitors considered harder than the climb, requires attention, skill, and careful placement of feet on the rocky terrain.
An alternative route to the lake may be accessed from the Col de Verghio ski resort, below the Castel Verghio hotel, opposite the campsite. The round trip is 15 km long with a hiking time of up to 8 hours.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- The hike is 10.24 km long with an elevation gain of 730 m. The round trip takes approximately 5h- 3h to reach the lake and 2h to return to the parking. Allow for an additional hour to tour the lake.
- The trek is rated as difficult, particularly the technical descent requires special attention and focus in placing feet. The trail is not advisable for children under the age of 10-12 and with no previous hiking experience as some use of hands is required.
- Remain very vigilant when climbing steep rocky stretches. Make sure to check forecasted weather conditions before setting off.
- Equip yourself with appropriate footwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and an additional layer of clothing as weather may change rapidly in mountainous areas.
- A high-quality sunscreen will protect you from the harmful sun rays in the exposed areas of the route.
- An ING map and a compass may be useful during the trek.
- As there is no water source available along the trail carry your own reserves of drink and food.
- The mobile phone reception is limited depending on the provider. SFR seems to have better coverage than Orange around the lake.
- As many visitors and GR20 hikers frequent this unspoilt corner of Corsica try to minimize the environmental impact and respect the surroundings. Feeding the horses is discouraged as it alters their natural behavior patterns and instincts.
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Liability Disclaimer
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.
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