The Vale of Orta Regional Nature Reserve, located in the Majella National Park, was founded in 1989. The protected area is incorporated in the municipal  territory of Bolognano and S. Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore. The canyon through which the river flows is certainly one of the most beautiful and wild areas of Abruzzo. Along the trail you can admire the the fascinating "Cisterna" waterfall, a true spectacle of nature. Within the reserve, on a 75 m high rock face, you can see the prehistoric "Grotta dei Piccioni" (pidgeon's grotto), one of the most improtant archaeological sites of the region.