Hike to the Purcaraccia Waterfalls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nestled in the rugged landscape of southern Corsica, France, the Purcaraccia Waterfalls—known in French as Cascades de Purcaraccia—offer an adventure like no other. This hidden gem is far from your typical tourist destination; it remains wild and untouched, featuring stunning views and unmarked trails that beckon to the intrepid explorer. If you’re planning a visit to the Purcaraccia Waterfalls and need detailed information on how to get there, where to park, and what to expect on the trail, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
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How to get to the Purcaraccia Waterfalls?
To reach the Purcaraccia Waterfalls, you’ll need to start with a hike along a forest road and navigate rocky terrain. Begin your hike from the bend in the D268 road, located just a few meters from Bocca di Larone. Parking is limited near this bend, with only a few spots available along the roadside. If you can’t find parking there, head to Bocca di Larone and park in the designated area. From there, walk back to the trailhead to start your adventure. This scenic hike offers breathtaking views and an exciting challenge for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking details and my experience
The trail begins from this point, which is right by the road, at the hairpin bend just past the Col de Larone.
Map source: mapy.cz
The hiking details are for an out-and-back trip:
Distance
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Duration
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Difficulty
Ascent
The Purcaraccia Waterfalls hiking trail, also known as Cascades de Purcaraccia, is one of the most beautiful yet challenging trails in Corsica. Since the trail is entirely unmarked, it’s easy to wander off course. Therefore, I advise downloading the trail before you go, using apps like AllTrails, Maps.me, Mapy.cz, or other useful navigation tools.
The hike begins in a forested area offering stunning views of the Aiguilles de Bavella. As you progress, the trail leads deeper into a gorge where you’ll encounter rocky terrain that requires scrambling and river crossings. Despite the challenges, the final destination is undoubtedly worth the effort, as you’ll discover beautiful pools surrounded by untouched wilderness.
My experience
We went on a sunny day in June. Since I didn’t know the trail would be unmarked, I didn’t have an offline map, and we wandered off a bit. The beginning of the hike is easy to follow, but as you progress to the rocky terrain, you need to be attentive not to miss the trail. Having an offline map would have made navigation much easier.
In the morning, the trail was quiet, and we only met a few people. However, as the day went on, canyoners appeared and more hikers arrived. Therefore, I recommend starting your hike early to enjoy some solitude. There are many pools along the trail where you can take a dip or slide down the rocks, but remember, the water is freezing cold.
What to bring on a hike to the Cascades de Purcaraccia?
To optimize your hiking adventure, ensure you arrive equipped with essential gear and supplies. Firstly, sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are indispensable for navigating the rocky terrain securely. Moreover, dressing in layers is crucial to adapt to fluctuating weather conditions. Furthermore, remember to pack ample water to stay hydrated during the trek. Additionally, it’s advisable to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and don sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Plus, don’t forget to download a trail guide, as the trail is not marked. Lastly, bring along your photography gear and swimsuit for added enjoyment.
When to visit the Purcaraccia Waterfalls?
The Purcaraccia Waterfalls can be visited year-round, depending on your preference. For a more relaxed visit, consider going between April and June, or during the second half of September and October. The weather is mild during these times, and you can avoid the summer heat. However, if you prefer to go during the summer and enjoy some swimming, it is recommended to check the Corse du Sud website for updates. When I visited in June, this was not a requirement, but in the following years, from July/August until September 15th, there were temporary restrictions on access to the Purcaraccia canyon. During these months, you could only visit with tour companies.
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