Hiking in Corsica Natural Regional Park: trails, map and practical info

The Corsica Natural Regional Park sits at the heart of one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic landscapes. Covering 3,000 km² of the island's interior, the park takes in a sweeping range of terrain — from rugged mountain peaks and dense forests to deep gorges and coastline edges. It's one of the largest regional nature parks in France, and it protects a remarkable slice of an island that has always felt like a world apart.

The Landscape

What makes this park stand out is the sheer variety packed into a relatively compact island setting. The mountains here are serious — not just scenic backdrops, but genuine high-altitude terrain with exposed ridgelines and steep valleys carved by centuries of erosion. Forests of chestnut, pine, and oak cover the mid-elevation slopes, giving way to open maquis scrubland lower down. The maquis is one of Corsica's defining features: a dense, fragrant mix of shrubs and wildflowers that fills the air with a scent that locals call the "perfume of Corsica."

Gorges cut through the interior in several places, creating dramatic corridors of rock and rushing water. These are among the most visually striking sections of the park, and many of the best hiking routes pass through or alongside them.

Wildlife and Flora

The park is home to a number of species found nowhere else on Earth. The Corsican mouflon — a wild mountain sheep with curved horns — is one of the most iconic, and the park has been central to efforts to protect and rebuild its population. You may also encounter Corsican deer, golden eagles, and osprey depending on where you hike and the time of year.

The plant life is equally distinctive. Corsica's geographic isolation has produced a high rate of endemism, meaning a significant portion of the species you'll see here don't exist anywhere else. Botanists and naturalists find the park particularly rewarding for this reason.

Hiking in the Park

The park contains an extensive network of trails, with a combined length of 1,500 km. That's enough to keep even the most dedicated hiker busy for a very long time. Routes range from short, accessible walks to multi-day traverses across the island's spine. The famous GR20 — widely considered one of the most challenging long-distance trails in Europe — runs through the park, drawing hikers from across the continent who come specifically to test themselves on its demanding terrain.

Beyond the GR20, the park offers a wide variety of day hikes and shorter routes that give access to the same stunning scenery without the same level of commitment. Trails lead to mountain lakes, viewpoints, ancient shepherd paths, and remote villages that have changed little over the centuries.

Human History and Culture

The park isn't just a natural reserve — it's also a living cultural landscape. Agriculture has shaped this terrain for thousands of years, and you'll find evidence of that history throughout: stone shepherd shelters, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages perched on ridges with views that stretch for miles. The park actively supports local farming and pastoral traditions as part of its mandate, recognizing that the landscape and the people who have worked it are inseparable.

Practical Information

Given the scale of the park and the variety of terrain, conditions can vary significantly depending on where you are and what time of year you visit. The trail network covers 1,500 km, and estimated hiking duration is variable depending on the route you choose. Some areas are accessible year-round, while higher elevations may be snow-covered in winter and best approached in late spring through early fall.

• Trail network: 1,500 km of marked trails
• Park area: 3,000 km²
• Terrain types: Mountains, forests, gorges, maquis scrubland
• Notable wildlife: Corsican mouflon, Corsican deer, golden eagle, osprey
• Long-distance route: The GR20 passes through the park
• Duration: Variable — from short day hikes to multi-day traverses

Whether you're here for a single afternoon walk or a week-long traverse of the island's high country, the Corsica Natural Regional Park offers some of the most rewarding hiking terrain in all of France.