Tuscany is actually a rather excellent hiking destination, though many travellers do not realise this as there are so many other incredible things to see and do across the region. However, if you are planning a vacation in Tuscany and you are thinking about travelling in the next couple of months then you should definitely consider going on a hike or two during your trip as the autumnal weather and golden scenes are just perfect for outings. With lots of different mountain and forest routes to choose from that are well-marked, peaceful, pleasant, and boast the most extraordinary views over the famously picturesque landscape of the region, Tuscany really is an idyllic place to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, forget the rest of the world, and reconnect with nature for a few hours!
If you have found a villa with pool in Lucca or a luxury villa in Florence, in particular, and you are looking for an especially picturesque route to explore, then we suggest the hike to Lago Nero (literally, Black Lake). A mountain lake of glacial origins that is nestled in the midst of some towering peaks of the Apennines, it is named for its often glassy black appearance caused by the dark waters flowing into the Sestaione stream. This moody and dramatic body of water is utterly striking and impressive when set against the backdrop of lush green forestry and blue mountains often swathed in atmospheric mists that surrounds.
For those who want to see the more dramatically appealing landscapes for which Tuscany is less well-known but that abound in the mountainous areas of the region, this is a perfect spot and affords panoramas that you're not likely to forget anytime soon! This is the other, wilder side of Tuscany, beyond the admittedly lovely pastoral landscapes of rolling hills blanketed in vineyards and olive groves and pretty Medieval walled towns that feature so prominently in postcards and travel guides. This is the side of Tuscany that many visitors never get to properly experience and it is well-worth seeking out.
Located in the Pistoiese Mountains, at 1730 meters above sea level, between the Alpe delle Tre Potenze and Monte Gomito, the Lago Nero can be reached via a few different routes that are suitable for both more experienced hikers and those with less practice and knowledge alike. One can start from the Sestaione Valley, the Val di Luce, and Abetone, or, if you're after those remarkable views but a little less up for quite so much exertion, you can even take the Abetone cable car to the top of Monte Gomito and then walk across to the lake.
Two examples of the routes that are often taken in the area include the Lago Nero - Lago Piatto - Passo Annibale (CAI 100-104) loop, which is 10.9km long, lightly trafficked, rated as moderate, and takes about 4 hours to complete and the longer Lago Nero - Lago Piatto - Passo Annibale - Lago Turchino out and back trail that is about 15.8km long, lightly trafficked, rated as difficult, and takes about 7 hours to complete. Both of these options are, obviously, for those who are fit and able and ready to spend the whole day (or, certainly, most of it) hiking.
Along the route, you may spot the cute marmot (a rodent that is not unlike a beaver) scuttling by, the golden eagle and partridge soaring overhead, two different protected species of newt on the water's edge, and flora such as blueberry and raspberry bushes, mountain pines, wild garlic, mezzereo, and beech trees.
So, whether you're up for a long and challenging hike or you just want to take the cable car and then walk across to take in the views that way, the options for routes to the beautiful Lago Nero and the incredible scenery that surrounds are ideal for those looking to hike while on vacation in Tuscany .
For those who want to see the more dramatically appealing landscapes for which Tuscany is less well-known but that abound in the mountainous areas of the region, this is a perfect spot and affords panoramas that you're not likely to forget anytime soon! This is the other, wilder side of Tuscany, beyond the admittedly lovely pastoral landscapes of rolling hills blanketed in vineyards and olive groves and pretty Medieval walled towns that feature so prominently in postcards and travel guides. This is the side of Tuscany that many visitors never get to properly experience and it is well-worth seeking out.
Located in the Pistoiese Mountains, at 1730 meters above sea level, between the Alpe delle Tre Potenze and Monte Gomito, the Lago Nero can be reached via a few different routes that are suitable for both more experienced hikers and those with less practice and knowledge alike. One can start from the Sestaione Valley, the Val di Luce, and Abetone, or, if you're after those remarkable views but a little less up for quite so much exertion, you can even take the Abetone cable car to the top of Monte Gomito and then walk across to the lake.
Two examples of the routes that are often taken in the area include the Lago Nero - Lago Piatto - Passo Annibale (CAI 100-104) loop, which is 10.9km long, lightly trafficked, rated as moderate, and takes about 4 hours to complete and the longer Lago Nero - Lago Piatto - Passo Annibale - Lago Turchino out and back trail that is about 15.8km long, lightly trafficked, rated as difficult, and takes about 7 hours to complete. Both of these options are, obviously, for those who are fit and able and ready to spend the whole day (or, certainly, most of it) hiking.
Along the route, you may spot the cute marmot (a rodent that is not unlike a beaver) scuttling by, the golden eagle and partridge soaring overhead, two different protected species of newt on the water's edge, and flora such as blueberry and raspberry bushes, mountain pines, wild garlic, mezzereo, and beech trees.
So, whether you're up for a long and challenging hike or you just want to take the cable car and then walk across to take in the views that way, the options for routes to the beautiful Lago Nero and the incredible scenery that surrounds are ideal for those looking to hike while on vacation in Tuscany .
Photo credit: Chimecip / CC BY-SA 4.0
