The Monte Marmagna loop

A loop trek in the heart of the Upper Parma Valley, between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, starting from I Cancelli and crossing Lago Scuro, Passo di Badignana, and the summit of Monte Marmagna, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. With the Guidders, you'll hike along mountain trails through woodland, scree slopes, and open ridgelines: a varied, physical, and deeply rewarding excursion, with steep sections, uneven terrain, and exposure to wind at higher altitudes. The return route passes through Sella di Braiola, Rifugio Mariotti, and Rifugio Lagdei, with sweeping views over the valley. 5 reasons to go - A rich and never monotonous loop route - Glacial lakes and the 00 ridge trail in the same trek - Iconic passages through mountain passes, peaks, and mountain huts - The ideal experience for those who love real trails and high-altitude hiking - The Guiddy community to share the effort and the views This hike is special because it brings together glacial lakes, the Apennine ridge, and a mountain hut all in a single day, with landscapes that change step by step.

The experience

A loop trek in the heart of the Upper Parma Valley, between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, starting from I Cancelli and crossing Lago Scuro, Passo di Badignana, and the summit of Monte Marmagna, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. With the Guidders, you'll hike along mountain trails through woodland, scree slopes, and open ridgelines: a varied, physical, and deeply rewarding excursion, with steep sections, uneven terrain, and exposure to wind at higher altitudes. The return route passes through Sella di Braiola, Rifugio Mariotti, and Rifugio Lagdei, with sweeping views over the valley. 5 reasons to go - A rich and never monotonous loop route - Glacial lakes and the 00 ridge trail in the same trek - Iconic passages through mountain passes, peaks, and mountain huts - The ideal experience for those who love real trails and high-altitude hiking - The Guiddy community to share the effort and the views This hike is special because it brings together glacial lakes, the Apennine ridge, and a mountain hut all in a single day, with landscapes that change step by step.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day

20 km · D+ 1,374 m · 11h30

The stops · 20 km

Meeting point 8:30approximate

Sp86, 43021 Corniglio provincia di Parma, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

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08:30MEETING

Località I Cancelli, Strada Provinciale 86, 43021 Corniglio (PR)

This is where the hike begins, with a gentle uphill stretch along a wide forest track winding through pinewoods and mixed woodland. The perfect way to warm up and start discovering the character of this landscape from the valley floor.

09:45MOUNTAIN HUT

Rifugio Lagoni

Here we come to the first two glacial lakes of the day: the Gemini Lakes. By now, we are surrounded by beech woods, and the Lagoni Mountain Hut is the perfect place for a short break before the trail begins to climb toward the ridgeline.

11:30SUMMIT

Monte Matto

From the summit of Monte Matto, the panoramic view is truly one of a kind: on one side, the Apuan Alps; on the other, the Gulf of Poets. On the clearest days, you can even spot the Alps stretching out behind you. The route continues with these breathtaking views as you follow trail 00 along the Alta Via dei Parchi.

12:45WATER

Bivacco Capanne Badignana

The route heads back through the beech forest, passing shepherds’ alpine pastures and open heathland, before reaching a mountain hut where you can refill your water and rest in the shade. From here, the trail climbs again toward the ridge, heading for Monte Brusà.

15:30SUMMIT

Monte Marmagna

We are at the highest point of the day, and indeed of this entire section of the Apennines. From here, the view over the Lunigiana Valley feels almost like an aerial panorama, and the different angle compared to Monte Matto offers an even more complete 360° perspective of the landscape around us. Here, the Apennines reveal their true hidden character: a rugged, barren ridge swept by winds that cross this natural barrier between the sea and the Po Valley.

16:45VILLAGE

Capanna Schiaffino

On the way down, we come across another mountain refuge just below the Monte Braiola saddle, then begin our descent toward the base of the glacial cirque of Lago Santo Parmense, heading in the direction of Lago Padre.

17:45MOUNTAIN HUT

Rifugio Mariotti

At last, a well-deserved rest at the most iconic hiking destination in the Parma Apennines: Rifugio Mariotti. A historic mountain hut, long known as a welcoming meeting place, overlooking the final glacial lake of the day. The perfect spot to catch your breath and break up the descent.

20:00RETURN

Località I Cancelli, Strada Provinciale 86, 43021 Corniglio (PR)

Here we are again, back at the cars where it all began. Our tired legs are a small price to pay for this wonderful day among glacial lakes and mountain ridges, immersed in the Upper Parma Valley and its borderlands, where the most authentic side of the Apennines reveals all its priceless beauty.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Questions?