The intervention of forest workers led, besides other advantages, to the creation of picnic areas often located along the trails that cross the mountain. These consist mostly of rustic benches and tables, safe barbecue points and, almost always, sources of potable spring water, at times embellished by the addition of simple drinking fountains.
A few picnic areas are equipped with facilities like small fenced huts providing shelter and a place to cook and eat indoors and a fireplace. And, as is the tradition with mountain huts, you may also find a discretely stocked pantry. In times of need we have availed of it, but, each time, we have also restocked it.
The main building material used here is, more often than not, wood. Many forest workers are past masters in its use, as well as being skilled with cement or, better still, the local stone.
The use of the fenced areas and shelters is generally free. You are welcome to avail of them freely but also expected to leave everything neat and tidy when you leave. Bring your waste with you, and discard it in the bins in the towns/villages below. As regards fires and barbecues, make sure these are quenched completely before you leave.
How to arrive: two picnic areas are particularly well equipped, and these are Zumbello (Roccaforte) and Falcò (Staiti). Zumbello can be accessed on foot by following the Misurici Colella landslide and Punta d’Atò itinerary or by car from Roccaforte del Greco with a 7-kilometre drive on a tarmacked road. Falcò can be reached on foot following the signs provided relative to the first part of the Staiti to Monte Cerasia itinerary or by following the 5-kilometre forest dirt track.