This footpath is dedicated to the poet Ludovico Ariosto who was in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, from 1522 to 1525, as a Governor of the Garfagnana on behalf of the Dukes of Este.
The path is an easy circular trail that from Rocca Ariostesca follows via Farini and arrives at the bridge over the Turrite Secca. The path starts from here and is singeposted in white-red colours. From Carbonaia, a beautiful mule track leads to the village of Torrite,
The path begins the ascent of the hill, meets the rural houses of Pasquigliora and continues in the woods reaching Mont’Alfonso at the southern gate. This access to the fortress is generally closed and to reach the main entrance the signposts follow the ramparts to the left up to the north gate.
After visiting the fortified complex, the ancient access road to the fortress until you arrive to a “Maestaina” (rural chapel and place of prayer for travelers) from which you will soon reach Castelnuovo from via Debbia.
Of course, the route can also be followed in reverse.

Enjoy the mountains
The 10 Essentials for Mountain Safety
The 10 Essentials for Mountain Safety
- Before you leave plan your route (including trail length and difficulty) and inform someone you trust of your trip plan.
- Before you leave inform about the update weather forecast by contacting directly mountain huts or other accommodations
- Select trips of a distances and grades that are suitable to your level of conditioning. Leave early in the morning and calculate your expected time of return before dusk.
- Choose a regular and moderate walking speed, make different rest stops, especially if there are children.
- Drink a lot (water, tea or natural juice). Eat food rich in carbohydrate and protein such as wheat bread, dried fruit, nuts ect..
- Choose the right equipment. The footwear has to allow a steady step and protect the articulations.
- Use a practical and light clothing, but do not forget to carry in your pack waterproof and warm clothing. Consider taking a first aid kit.
- When hiking with a group, take care of them and inform hikers about possible dangers, and if necessary, provide first aid.
- Respect wildlife, avoid useless noise and leave no waste.
- Follow signposted trails. Check your map regularly, and if you are not sure about your position try to get back on route with an eye for landmarks.
Required maps and guides
- Alpi Apuane meridionali fg. 535/537 scala 1:20.000 Ed. Mulgraphic – Firenze
- Alpi Apuane settentrionali fg. 534/536 scala 1:20.000 Ed. Mulgraphic – Firenze
- Appennino Tosco-Emiliano fg. 18 scala 1:20.000 Ed. Mulgraphic – Firenze
- Alpi Apuane fg 200 scala 1:25.000 Edizioni 4Land -Bolzano
- Appennino Tosco-Emiliano fg 208 scala 1:25.000 Edizioni 4Land -Bolzano
For MTB routes:
- Carta turistica Garfagnana – Itinerari in MTB scala 1:50.000 ed. Ass Garfagnana MTB Sharing
Local Hiking Guides
Adami Michela +39 333 7294941 crinidellalpe@gmail.com
Bertagni Attilio +39 333 5846159 bertagniattilio@alice.it
Local Hiking guides associations
Apians
Bosco Aperto
Garfagnana Adventure
Garfagnana Guide
Wild Trails
Garfagnana Rafting
La Garfagnana è un universo contratto, non c’è strada, cammino o sentiero che non porti a una visione inattesa, a qualcosa di inaspettatamente straordinario. Può essere una roccia, un eremo, un bosco, un fiume, un castello, ma può essere anche un uomo. So che ciò che mi chiama in Garfagnana non è semplicemente la sua geografia, ma gli umani che la abitano, come la abitano. La Garfagnana è di una bellezza struggente, una bellezza selvaggia e amorevole; e ciò che mi commuove è come il suo paesaggio sia stato plasmato, lavorato, addolcito anche nelle durezze più ardue da chi lo vive.