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Foresta Umbra, the natural forest of the gargano

Suggestive for the majesty of the plants and for its splendid natural scenery, the Foresta Umbra extends over an area of ​​about ten thousand hectares.

Incorporated in the Gargano National Park, this natural reserve constitutes a real "fresh air tank" where, between a walk along the countless paths and a stop at the picnic areas or at the pond, you can relax your mind and find refuge from the heat and bustle of the city in the height of the summer.

 

This green lung of the Gargano has always been rich and luxuriant with chestnuts, pines, firs, beeches and so many other varieties of plants as well as hosting many animal species such as wild boars, roe deer, woodpeckers and weasels, but also fallow deer, foxes and wild cats.


Thanks to the nature trails of varying difficulty, it is possible to explore some areas of the forest in absolute tranquility and safety. There are about 20 practicable ones and it is possible to walk them on foot, by bike, on horseback, with quads or Jeeps, alone or with an expert guide.

The forest is popular especially on holidays when the picnic areas are populated with families who spend a day outdoors. Obviously it is absolutely forbidden to light barbecues even in areas equipped for the danger of fires.

When entering the forest, at about 800 meters above sea level, you reach the highest part of the Foresta Umbra where there is a refreshment area with a small bar and a small restaurant open only in summer, the final stop for bikers and hikers and a pond managed by the park with turtles and ducks. Since fishing is forbidden in the pond, many large fish live freely. Furthermore, if the weather permits in the winter, you can also admire the frozen lake.

The naturalistic museum of the Foresta Umbra opened to the public in 1975. It consists of an internal part and an external part. The internal part is divided into three sections: one naturalistic, one archaeological, and one last section in which there is a large scale model of the Gargano Promontory.

Outside the museum there is a reconstruction of a village of charcoal burners and lumberjacks with the relative educational path.