RCSD-2013-03 - Rcsoaring.com

Some notes on the Park of Monte CuccoThe Park of Monte Cucco lies on the northeasternborder of the Region of Umbria,in central Italy, and is demarcated by theApennine ridge, with the peak of MonteCucco towering to 1,566 m, by the ancientcourse of the Via Flaminia, and by the RiversSentino and Chiascio.The resident population of the Park numbersless than 7,000. In the mountainous areas,human activity is limited to forestry and themanagement of grazing animals. The bottomof the valley is generally turned over toarable farming, although intensive agricultureis not practiced. In the small towns lyingwithin the Park boundaries there are manyartisan businesses and small manufacturingconcerns, as well as hotels and restaurantsoffering a high level of service and adding tovisitor enjoyment of the Park itself.The most important towns, in terms of sizeand cultural interest, standing within sightof the Park, are Gubbio to the north andGualdo Tadino to the south.Monte Cucco is a Park of undergroundwater-courses and mineral springs, ofpristine rivers, great unspoiled beechwoodsand limestone grottoes untouched bymass tourism. It is home to the wolf andthe golden eagle. It is a Park of historictowns which, although small, are rich interms of their cultural and artistic heritage.It is also a place where one can find manyextraordinary monasteries. In addition,the unique character of the Park makes itthe perfect setting for enjoying all sorts ofmountain sports: such as free-flying, caving,cross-country skiing and trekking.44 R/C Soaring Digest