An area of rare beauty is situated between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, the National Park of Casentino Forests. Discover the hiking guide!

The beautiful National Park of Casentino Forests

In the heart of Tuscany, the National Park of Casentino Forests covers a vast territorial area touching 11 municipalities in the 3 provinces of Forlì-Cesena, Arezzo and Florence.

It represents a wonderful natural setting rich in flora and fauna.

In history, the Park has been a place of life and work, numerous ruins and abandoned villages in its interior attest to a very flourishing past. The Park currently has around 1,500 residents.

Since it is not a high mountain, it is easily accessible in all 4 seasons, where each has its own peculiar landscape.

Among the species present there are the Northern Apennine wolf and 5 ungulate species:

• Boar;
• Roe;
• Fallow deer;
• Deer;
• Mouflon.

The trees and springs of the Casentino Forests

The territory of the National Park of Casentino Forests is mostly mountainous, with an altitude limit of 1,658 mt. on Mount Falco.

The portion located in the province of Florence extends from the Falterona and Falco mountains to the south, through the Colla dei Tre Faggi pass to the southern slopes of Mount Lavane to the north.

Among the springs it is worth mentioning that of the Arno, at 1,358 m on the southern slopes of Monte Falterona.

The woods consist of a considerable number of deciduous broadleaves dominated by pure chestnut or in association with oak and black hornbeam. These species can also be associated with white hornbeam, manna ash, opal maple and field maple.

National Park of Casentino Forests: guide to excursions

National Park of Casentino Forests offers a wide choice of walking tours between trails and ring routes.

Preparing rucksacks and boots and setting off for an excursion in the Casentino Forests means plunging into environments of uncontaminated nature and ancient forests.

Trekking enthusiasts will be able to choose from a series of structured routes both in stages (with the need for transfer) and in a ring (for backpacking).

If you want to choose the best path to suit your needs, here is a practical guide to excursions in the National Park of Casentino Forests.

Ring 1 – The Acquacheta and the Alto Tramazzo

First Day: S. Benedetto in Alpe – Hermitage of the Toschi
11 km, 550 mt. difference in height uphill, 5 hours walking time

Second Day: Hermitage of the Toschi – Lake of Ponte
15 km, 650 mt. difference in height uphill, 6 hours walking time

Third Day: Lake of Ponte – Hermitage of the Toschi
8 km, 400 mt. difference in height uphill, 4 hours journey time

Ring 2 – Ancient Paths

First Day: Corniolo – Le Fontanelle
11 km, 900 mt. of altitude difference, 5.5 hours of travel

Second Day: Le Fontanelle – Campigna
12 km, 300 mt. altitude difference uphill, 4 hours journey time

Third Day: Campigna – Corniolo
7 km, 50 mt. difference in height uphill, 2.5 hours walking time

Ring 3 – The Lands of the Monks

First Day: Camaldoli Hermitage – La Burraia
11 km, 650 mt. of altitude difference, 5.5 hours of travel

Second Day: La Burraia – La Chiusa
8 km, 150 mt. altitude difference uphill, 4 hours journey time

Third Day: La Chiusa – Camaldoli Hermitage
13 km, 750 mt. altitude difference uphill, 6 hours walking time

If you are also a lover of paths, excursions and nature we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!