A loop hike to Monte Prado, the highest peak in Tuscany!

A circular itinerary that encompasses the best of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: shady woods, panoramic ridges, and a glacial lake nestled among the mountains.

A challenging route due to its length, but never extreme from a technical point of view: perfect for hikers with a minimum level of fitness who are looking for grandiose landscapes and a variety of environments.

The trail starts in the heart of a lush beech forest, cool and silent, until reaching Bocca di Massa. From here the landscape changes completely: the grassy ridges open up, leading to the first peaks – Monte Vecchio and Monte Cella – offering wide views of the surrounding valleys.

The ascent culminates on Monte Prado, the highest peak in Tuscany, a true natural balcony that dominates the central Apennines. The view sweeps from the Apuan Alps to the Tyrrhenian Sea, up to the Emilian mountain groups and, on the clearest days, to the distant Alps. It is the most exciting point of the route, where you feel suspended between heaven and earth.

The descent towards the Reggio Emilia side reveals another surprise: the glacial basin that houses Lago Bargetana. Its clear waters, enclosed by green meadows and rocky slopes, offer an alpine scenery of rare beauty, ideal for a refreshing break.

The return to Casone di Profecchia closes the loop by crossing forests and high-altitude pastures again, thus completing one of the most spectacular crossings of the Apennines.