The path named Monte Zoccolaro is the last of the three paths that overlook on the southern slope of The Bove Valley, together with Schiena dell'Asino and Acqua Rocca.
The beginning of this path can be comfortably reached by car. Driving through the SP92 towards Nicolosi, a few kilometres after the Emmaus, you will notice a road on the right. Once there were road signs for this path, but now there is no indication at all. If you drive trough this road you will come up in a wide area where you can leave your car and start walking. The beginning of the path is signalled by a rock that carries the path's name on it. From here you will be able to reach the peak of the mount. . The path is very clear and there are no crossroads leading to other paths.
During your walk up the mount, the open spaces among the trees give you a hint of what the view on the top is going to be. This ruins a bit the surprise you usually have when a scenic view abruptly opens in front of your eyes.
During our walk we have encountered several footprints on the snow . Once you get on the top,besides seeing a cross that indicates the end of the path , we have also met the "owners" of those footprints: a herd of goats! What were they doing there with all that snow?
From the top we admire a few hawks flying on the valley and we also saw the lava, still warm from the latest eruption. It forms black stripes on the white surface of the snow. At this point we decide to go back, since the clouds seems to be threatening us. You should never challenge the mountain, not to mention the vulcano!
Point of interest: Panoramic bove valley view and Ionian sea view
Difficulty: medium-low
Difference in height: 270 m ascending
Maximum height: 1770 m
Length: 1,5 km one way
Duration of journey: 1 - 2 hours
Suggested season: spring, autumn
Technical equipment : recommended