ALBERGO DIFFUSO
FORGARIA MONTE PRAT
Leisure activities on the plateau
In the first place, we would like to point out that, excluding certain zones, on the Monte Prat plateau there is no mobile reception.It is, however, possible to make phone calls from the public telephone in the "Monte Prat" Hotel Restaurant situated in the centre of the plateau.
SPORT AND LEISURE
There is a great opportunity for practising sports in the area and its surroundings.
The flat landscape of the plateau makes walks along its hard-surface roads, shaded by ash and beech trees, easy.
The pathways created by our forefathers provide a perfect alternative for those who wish to discover the area without using the hard surface roads. They were built to increase the grazing land by removing stones from the fields and arranging them on top of each other to create new "roads" for the cattle to walk along.
These paths are currently used for the excursions to Monte Prat, to see abandoned houses, old wells once used to water animals and enchanting beech woods.
A useful and detailed map of the paths is available at the reception, where all the necessary information on the various activities is available.
ARCHERY
A simulated archery hunting route has been created, with incredible three-dimensional animal targets. It is currently under construction.
MOUNTAIN-BIKING
Thanks to clear, precise mapping of the various circuits you can discover the plateau in an original way, venturing in a thick network of well-signposted mountain tracks. A detailed map of these tracks is available at the reception, showing the degree of difficulty – these range from those specially devised for families to those suitable for professionals.For more information on mountain-biking and circuits click here!
PARAGLIDING
The Monte Prat surrounding area also offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying with a two seat paraglider, together with a qualified instructor, with departure from Gemona del Friuli.Those who are interested can find all the necessary information and contacts at the reception, with the opportunity of following beginners paragliding courses which take place on the Susans hills.
HIKING
The plateau’s surface is crossed by over 40 Km of pathways mapped by C.A.I. (n.814-815-816-817-818, ed. Tabacco 020). The most interesting and attractive destination is certainly the Monte Corno or Monte Cuar peak (1478 meters), which overlooks the plateau. Excursions are organized from Albergo Diffuso 'Forgaria Monte Prat' to Monte Cuar and the recently restored Malga Agrituristica (1219 meters above sea level, a traditional shepard’s alpine hut), where it is possible to dine and buy traditional dairy products.A less difficult but equally interesting route is the "nature pathway", known as "Tròi di Meni", up the Cuar mountain, which follows ancient pathways and enables hikers to admire the natural area of the Tagliamento river and the Arzino torrent as far as the chestnut woods of Colle di S.Giovanni. You can have something to eat and drink at any moment in one of the many picnic areas along the way.
But the area’s true gem is the Natural Reserve of Lake Cornino, about 500 hectares of unspoilt nature between Forgaria and Trasaghis, where you can see griffon vultures, little owls and eagle owls, as well as the magnificent lake which further enhances the area.
The lake has crystal-clear waters, fed by underground strata, taking on different shades as they get deeper. Every year the lake is at the centre of a uniquely fascinating event, that is the Christmas night holy Mass when the nativity crib is immersed in the water by divers.
FISHING
As well as the traditional fishing on the pebbly banks of the Arzino and Tagliamento rivers, a destination for fishing enthusiasts, the less experienced can also have a try with sports fishing in the natural lake of Pakar, where one can peacefully fish surrounded by the delightful presence of beautiful swans and wild ducks.
KAYAKING
All kayak lovers can shoot the rapids of the Arzino torrent or the longer and less turbulent Tagliamento river, fitted up with their own equipment.
HISTORICAL SITES
All those who love the combination of nature and history can visit the Castel Raimondo Archaeological Park. This site has been a strategic military spot throughout various periods, as the elevated position enabled and still allows to control both sides of the Tagliamento and the Arzino rivers.The digs carried out have brought to light numerous archaeological finds dating back from the fourth century B.C. to the fourteenth century A.D., on show at the Sala Consiliare, the council chamber in the County Council building.
Apart from being accessible by car the site is linked by pathways to both Monte Prat and Forgaria.
CLIMBING
The well-known practise wall of 'Masarach' is situated in Val d' Arzino. Here aspiring climbers can try to climb the rock following over 40 routes, fixed with iron steps, of different levels of difficulty. The practise wall is located in the area of Vito d’Asio, approximately 13 Km away from Monte Prat (8 Km from Forgaria).
BATHING AREAS
There are many spots, both on the pebbly banks of the Arzino and of the Tagliamento river, where one can seek relief from the hot summer. Certainly one of the most famous and pleasant spots is Cjaliane, accessible through a short pathway that starts from behind the inhabited area of Forgaria arriving at a picturesque and historic footway over the Arzino torrent, which has been recently restored.