The park contains the highest peak in Corsica, Monte Cinto, reaching 2,706 meters.
It is home to the Scandola Nature Reserve, which was the first site in France to be designated as both a terrestrial and marine protected area.
The park's territory includes over 140 communes, preserving traditional Corsican rural architecture and transhumance paths.
The GR20 trail managed within the park spans approximately 180 kilometers and is divided into 16 stages.
The park facilitates the reintroduction program for the Gypaetus barbatus, or bearded vulture, to the Corsican mountains.
The vegetation includes the 'maquis', a dense, aromatic shrubland characteristic of the Mediterranean basin.
The reserve protects the unique ecosystem of the Pozzines, which are high-altitude peat bogs formed by glacial activity.
The Parc Naturel Régional de Corse covers approximately 40% of the island of Corsica, spanning over 350,000 hectares of rugged mountainous terrain. It serves as the primary governing body for the GR20, one of Europe's most challenging long-distance hiking trails. The park encompasses a vast network of protected ecosystems ranging from coastal scrubland to alpine peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. Established in 1972, the reserve protects endemic species such as the bearded vulture and the Corsican mouflon. Its headquarters are located in the inland town of Corte, providing administrative support for environmental conservation and regional heritage. The park includes the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its volcanic cliffs and diverse marine life. Visitors can access numerous marked trails, including the Mare e Monti and Mare a Mare routes that traverse the island’s interior. The terrain is characterized by granite massifs, glacial lakes, and dense forests of maritime pine and beech.
The view of the glacial Lac de Nino with its surrounding pozzines.
Download offline maps, as cellular reception is non-existent in deep mountain valleys.
Carry a high-quality water filtration system to utilize mountain springs rather than relying on limited supply points.
Ensure all gear is suitable for rapid weather shifts, as conditions on the peaks can change from sunny to freezing within hours.
Attempting the GR20 trail without prior alpine hiking experience or proper physical conditioning.
High-altitude trails and mountain refuges are typically inaccessible or closed due to snow from November to May.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy; wild camping is prohibited outside of designated refuge zones near mountain huts.
