With their towering white marble cliffs, the Apuane Alps mark the natural boundary between the romantic shores of Versilia and the lush forests of Garfagnana. Venturing into this area means filling your eyes with the very best Tuscany has to offer. The Apuane are indeed an important hotspot for biodiversity of flora and fauna in Italy, and thanks to the hiking trails, karst caves, via ferratas, and climbing routes that cross them, they have become an essential destination for all lovers of outdoor sports Discover with us the 5 best trekking routes in the Apuane Alps to fall in love with this fascinating natural park!
The Monte Forato Loop
The first route we suggest is the loop trek around Monte Forato. Made up of two tall peaks connected by a natural rock bridge, Monte Forato is famous precisely for this natural arch that offers unique views at every time of day, depending on the sun’s position.
The route starts from the village of Fornovolasco, following signs to the Grotta del Vento, a fascinating karst cave with an underground lake that can be an interesting first stop on your journey. The path then continues towards the Tana che Urla, another karst cave unfortunately accessible only to speleologists.
The trail then climbs through the woods, gradually gaining altitude and branching off at several points. All paths are well marked by CAI signs, so you can safely decide to take detours. The final destination is the famous arch of Monte Forato itself, which the bravest can even cross on foot. The path is indeed wide and safe, and some even choose to climb it.
The route takes about five hours round trip and has an elevation gain of 700 meters, so it is recommended for those with some preparation and experience.
The Ducati Trail
The Ducati Trail is a long and challenging itinerary, covering 160 km on foot or by bike, with 11 stages, within the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Natural Park. This route runs along the Estense borders that for over three centuries divided and connected the many duchies of the area.
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