Places
Hike·Moderate·Scenic·Hidden gem
Monte Rio, Vercelli
Piedmont
Monte Rio (1,325 m) above Biella in the Biellese Alps is a geological ridge with extraordinary rock diversity — serpentinite, gneiss, amphibolite and eclogite outcrops mark the Insubric Line (a major Alp fault). The Biellese flora has Alyssum and Silene species endemic to the serpentine. Golden eagle from the summit. Capercaillie in the spruce below. Dogs off-leash.
Duration
3.5 hours
Distance
9 km
Elevation
+600 m
Best season
May – October
Highlights
- Insubric Line — major Alpine fault visible in the rock outcrop diversity
- Endemic Alyssum and Silene species on the serpentine soil
- Capercaillie in the spruce below the summit
With your dog
Forest and open ridge; dogs off-leash.
