Belvedere Nord - 301a

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Belvedere translates loosely as "good view" and indeed there is a prominent viewpoint along this trial. While most of the trail is beneath the dense canopy of trees atop Monte Conero, a few breaks in the forest cover offer very prominent views.

Starting from Traversata del Conero - 301 at Pian Grande, a challenging singletrack leads up to the Belvedere Nord (North Overlook) and a cliffside view of the Adriatic with a Napoleanic fort below (now turned into a hotel). You can also see the city of Ancona about 10 km (6 mi) up the coast with the western coastline of Italy snaking beyond that.

Shortly after the overlook, the trail becomes a forest road which continues climbing towards the summit of Monte Conero (572 m; 1876 ft). Unfortunately, the summit itself is a military facility and thus unaccessible. Some very obvious gates discourage entry. Just past the main gate to the summit, the last kilometer (0.6 mi) is paved.

This trail merges with the Traversata del Conero - 301 just before the former Convent di San Pietro used by the Camaldolesi religious order. It has now been turned into a nice hotel. The former convent sits on a bluff overlooking the western coast of Italy with the Apennine Mountains down the center of Italy in the background.