Fountainhead of the Rio Bianco and Gran Monte

The Rio Bianco originates from the southeastern slopes of the Montemaggiore tip, from springs located between 1,190 and 689 meters above sea level. Descending, south of Tana Certenja, it collects the water from the Rio Nero, giving rise to the Natisone River. The area, particularly wild and rugged, features notable floral aspects, especially regarding the species of carbonate scree and rock formations. Worth mentioning are the rock turnip (Rapunculus rupicola), the Paederota bonarota, the Potentilla caulescens, and the Spiraea decumbens. The sparse vegetation clinging to the steep slopes is made up of black hornbeam, mountain ash, and spontaneous black pine. The yellow lily is abundant in the clearings. The mountain range known as Gran Monte, oriented along an east-west axis, is the first group of reliefs in the Julian Prealps that exceed 1,600 meters above sea level. The exceptional panorama from these peaks is among the most breathtaking in the entire pre-Alpine arc, extending from the plain to the Julian Alps. The geolithological nature of Gran Monte is characterized on the southern side by dolomites and dolomitic limestones of the Noric (Main Dolomite), while on the northern side by compact grey or minutely oolitic limestones of the Rhaetian: both formations belong to the Upper Triassic (200-190 million years ago). Accessibility: Following the CAI 742 trail from Montemaggiore to the peak, and by following a forestry track, you can reach the fountainheads of Rio Bianco.