L’anello delle Panie (The Pania Ring-route)

The hiking excursion starts at the location of Piglionico. Leave your car near the small chapel, then take the CAI track n.7 to the Rifugio Rossi (Rossi Shelter - TMP 1,15 hours) from which, take the CAI 126 directions upwards for another hour in the Vallone dell’Inferno, where you reach the top of Pania della Croce the "queen" of the Apuan Alps (1859 m. above sea level). The track then descends to the Foce di Mosceta and the Rifugio del Freo (Del Freo Shelter). From here, take the n. 9 track and then the n. 127, which leads you back to your destination by walking around the Pizzo delle Saette.

Average Journey Time (TMP) 6.00 hours

Sentiero Airone 1 - Parco dell’Orecchiella
(Airone 1 Track - Orecchiella Park)

From the Visitor’s Centre, the track indicated in yellow and blue reaches the Rifugio Isera (Isera Shelter) and the road going up to the botanic garden. From here, descend to the right in the direction of Pruno, an ancient pastoral location with typical "caselli" local huts covered in "rye" straw. The track ascends to the massive Pania di Corfino, first reaching a terraced area looking on to Vallone delle Grottacce then on to a wild fascinating environment. After reaching the southern rock point, you come to La Fonte dell’Amore and the pastoral area of Campaiana. The track crosses through the woods then on to the grasslands then reaches the Pania summit (1603 m above sea level). After the Sella, descend into the Bocca dei Lupi not far from the Rifugio Isera (Isera Shelter) and then to the Visitor’s Centre.

Journey Time (TMP) 5.00 hours

Sentiero Natura di Campocatino - Eremo di S. Viano
(Campocatino Nature Track - S. Viano Hermitage)

An easy ring-route track which permits you to follow the sides of the Campocatino natural depression basin dating back to the glacial era. Walking along the first part among the "caselli" local pastoral huts and the once cultivated terraced areas, you reach the beech woods at the foot of the north-western face of Mount Roccandagia. Walk on until the impressive south-eastern rock point. Reaching the gravel track which leads back to Campocatino you can choose the ring-route in (TMP 1,30 hours) or take the mule track which descends to the Eremo di S. Viano (S. Viano Hermitage) nestled into the rock-face over-looking the Arnetola Valley.

Average Journey Time (TMP) 2.30 hours

L’anello del Monte Forato
(Monte Forato Ring-route)

From Fornovolasco the CAI track n. 6 ascends to the Foce di Petrosciana, passing near the Tana che Urla (cave) and the Sorgente della Chiesaccia (spring). From the Foce, an unmarked track although clearly evident, takes you along the crest of the mountain passing near the arch of Monte Forato (1223 m. above sea level) then reaching Foce di Valli. The alternative route is marked with CAI n. 131 which descends slightly to a lower quota and leads to the same location to the foot of the southern side of Pania della Croce. From here the direction indicated by CAI n. 130, passes a few remote houses then back to Fornovolasco.

A shorter itinerary is to descend from Monte Forato by the CAI n. 12 until you reach the CAI n. 6 again and continue back to Fornovolasco (TMP 3,30 hours).

Average Journey Time (TMP) 5 hours