Ferriere Valley Hike: Amalfi Coast Waterfalls, Paper Mills & Ancient Forests
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: steady walking on uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces; suitable for active families and regular walkers.
Overview
Follow cool streams and waterfall-fed pools into Valle delle Ferriere, a 7 km guided hike from Amalfi that combines ancient paper-mill ruins, rare laurel forests, and easy but wet terrain. Perfect for hikers who want something green and wild a few steps from the town.
Ferriere Valley Hike: Amalfi Coast Waterfalls, Paper Mills & Ancient Forests
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The trail starts like a secret: cobbled alleys of Amalfi give way to a narrow gorge where water threads the valley floor and moss softens every step. A local guide leads the group uphill through a corridor of ferns and towering arum, the air heavy with humidity and the metallic tang of mountain springs. Within minutes the roar of waterfalls replaces the town’s bells—this is Valle delle Ferriere, a protected pocket of damp, prehistoric vegetation that feels more tropical than Mediterranean.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early to avoid heat and crowds
Begin the hike in the morning when the light is softer on the falls and the trail is cooler and less busy.
Wear grippy shoes
Stones and roots are often wet—trail runners or low boots with good tread make the route far safer.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Humidity makes the hike deceptively tiring; carry at least 1–1.5 liters per person for the 3–4 hour outing.
Respect fragile vegetation
Stay on marked paths to protect the reserve’s rare plants and avoid trampling sensitive moss and orchids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Peregrine falcon hunting the gorge
- Red fox in dawn or dusk edges
History
The valley powered some of Europe’s earliest paper mills and preserves vegetation types that date back to wetter climatic periods.
Conservation
The reserve is protected to conserve rare laurel forests and hydrophilous plants; visitors are asked to stay on trails and avoid disturbing habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Amalfi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Provide grip on wet rocks and stable footing on rooty, uneven trails.
Light rain shell
Protects from sudden showers and keeps you dry in the valley’s damp microclimate.
spring specific
Refillable water bottle (1–1.5L)
Hydration is key in humid conditions even on an easy route.
summer specific
Small daypack with snacks
Holds layers, camera, guidebook, and treats for the midpoint rest near the waterfalls.