From the CAI mountain hut “C. Battisti” (or from La Foce) you climb up to the top of Monte Prado (2054 m. a.s.l.), the highest peak of Tuscany. Everything around this area is great: the wide valley of Abetina Reale, the thick beech tree forests of Orecchiella Natural Park, the extensive meadows full of bilberries; in an unreal silence broken only by the wind, it will not surprising to see the golden eagle or roe deers, or hear an whistle of a marmot.

The path continues to Monte Vecchio, Monte Cella, Passo delle Forbici, Passo del Giovarello, Alpicella delle Radici and finally Passo delle Radici where the State road which connects Garfagnana to Modena passes. From here follow the dirt road to San Pellegrino in Alpe (1525 mt a.s.l.) the highest village of the Appennine side, situated along the old road that since middle age linked Pianura Padana with Tuscany.

The hostel dedicated to Saint Pellegrino, hermit of unknown origin, greeted travellers, pilgrims, merchants and fortune soldiers who passed these impervious places. Today, as then, the hamlet offers hospitality and refreshment to new travelers, while the Museum of Rural Life reminds us of the everyday life of the mountain people. (Currently closed due to remodeling).

Nearby Overnight stay:
Mountain Hut Pradaccio +39 339 8719534
Mountain Hut Burigone +39 (0)583 1805849 +39 328 9356219

Overnight stay:
Hotel Appennino – Da Pacetto in San Pellegrino in Alpe +39 (0)583 649069
Hotel L’Alpino – in San Pellegrino in Alpe+39 (0)583 649068

Walking Time: 7.30 hrs
Lenght: 17 Km
Elevation gain:
↑ Uphill 500 m
↓ Downhill 500 m
Difficulty: Medium level