The river rises from the slopes of Monte Altieri, which reaches above sea level. The Fortore, on the Adriatic side of the Apennines, collects the waters of four small streams about from San Bartolomeo in Galdo. From there it runs in a northerly direction through a narrow and twisting valley between Daunian Mountains. After , near Castelvetere in Val Fortore, it exits from the province of Benevento. In its lower course it forms the border between the provinces of Campobasso and Foggia. The Fortore flows into the Adriatic Sea not far from Lake Lesina.
