Thanks to its varied elevations and woodland, the Mugello enjoys a particularly long and gradual foliage season. Chestnut, beech and oak trees change colour at different times, transforming the landscape week after week just a short drive from Florence. In this guide, you’ll find the best routes to choose depending on how much time you have and where to stop along the way.

When to see fall foliage in the Mugello

Autumn colours unfold gradually as the season moves down from higher elevations. In early October, the first changes begin to appear along the highest ridges. By mid-month, the chestnut woods at lower altitudes turn shades of ochre and gold.

Between late October and early November, the high-altitude beech forests usually reach their peak, with vivid oranges and coppery reds. Finally, in November, the season moves into the valleys, where oak trees take on warmer shades of brown and bronze.

The exact timing can shift by a week or two depending on the weather. A particularly hot summer or a rainy autumn may bring the colours forward or delay them, so it is always worth checking the forecast before setting off.

Whatever time you choose to visit, remember that daylight fades quickly in autumn and temperatures can drop sharply along the ridges compared with the valley below. Set off in the morning and bring an extra warm layer with you.

Where to see foliage in the Mugello: scenic drives and walking trails

Scenic mountain passes by car

If you would rather take in the landscape without a long walk, the roads across Passo del Giogo and Passo della Futa wind through oak, chestnut and beech forests.

These are mountain roads with several scenic viewpoints worth stopping at, so allow more time than your satnav may suggest.

Easy walks and family-friendly trails

The Anello dei Diacci, in the Giogo-Casaglia Park, is a manageable route for families too. Starting from Prato all’Albero, it passes the Cascata dell’Abbraccio waterfall before reaching Rifugio I Diacci, crossing three different types of woodland along the way.

Another easy option is Badia di Moscheta, a thousand-year-old abbey surrounded by forest. From here, the Percorso dei Seccatoi trail winds through centuries-old chestnut groves and past the traditional stone buildings once used to dry chestnuts.

Chestnut woods, villages and high-altitude beech forests

In October, some of the chestnut groves around Marradi open to visitors for regulated chestnut picking. Nearby, Palazzuolo sul Senio is well worth a stop: a small Apennine village surrounded by woodland.

For the most intense reds of the beech forests, head towards Castagno d’Andrea, one of the gateways to the Casentinesi Forests National Park. This is the most demanding excursion on the list and should be planned with suitable clothing and hiking equipment.

Where to stay in the Mugello: Villa Campestri Olive oil resort

A natural base for exploring the Mugello in autumn is Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort in Vicchio.

The resort is set within a 140-hectare estate where oak trees, centuries-old chestnuts and olive groves grow side by side. The landscape you encounter along the trails continues all the way back to the hotel: in autumn, you can watch the woods change colour directly from your room.

The season is also closely tied to one of the estate’s most important moments of the year: the production of its new olive oil, pressed during the very same weeks when the foliage is at its peak and available to taste during guided tastings at Villa Campestri’s Oleoteca.

Contact us for information and reservations.