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Monte Forato from Fornovolasco – Trekking to the Natural Arch, Symbol of the Apuan Alps!

Parcheggio di Fornovolasco, Lucca · Toscana•1 day•Hiking · 1,215 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
Where?
Lucca, Toscana
On your own?
No problem
Points
+19
Monte Forato from Fornovolasco – Trekking to the Natural Arch, Symbol of the Apuan Alps!
Community photos
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Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Monte Forato's natural arch from Fornovolasco

A rock arch suspended between sky and mountains.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Fornovolasco for one of the most iconic outings in the Apuan Alps: Monte Forato, with its enormous natural limestone arch, shaped over centuries by water and wind. It commands the Passo dell'Arco with extraordinary dimensions — a genuine cathedral of stone — and makes this one of the most striking paths in Tuscany. The climb is steady, and reaching the arch is one of those moments you photograph and remember.

5 reasons to come - the natural arch of Monte Forato, unique in Italy - the Passo dell'Arco and its scale - the Apuan Alps seen from inside - Fornovolasco, a stone village of the Garfagnana - a steady climb, repaid on arrival

Who it suits A steady climb on mountain path: normal walking fitness and a sure step.

A cathedral of stone: come and see it with the Guidders.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+19 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
980 m D+ · 13 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 980 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Parcheggio di Fornovolasco
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
980 m
Max altitude
1,215 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
6 h
Day
13 km · D+ 980 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 13 km
Meeting point 9:00approximate
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
09:00PARKING
Parking in Fornovolasco
We'll leave the car in the village and cross the small bridge over the Turrite stream. From there, we'll ascend the trail past gardens, ancient mills, and the evocative "Tana che Urla" (Howling Cave). We'll continue on, passing the vibrant spring of the Turrite di Gallicano, until we reach Foce di Petrosciana, an ancient and historically significant mountain pass.
12:30VIEWPOINT
Mount Forato: Hike Through a Natural Arch!
We'll hike all the way to the Arch of Monte Forato, an impressive window in the rock, standing 25m high and 32m wide. The view stretches across the Pania della Croce, the Omo Morto, and on clear days, all the way to the sea! We'll stop here, not only to admire the scenery, but also to enjoy our packed lunch.
15:00PARKING
Back to the trailhead.
"After a break at the arch, we'll head back towards the Foce di Valli along the mountain ridge, before rejoining the downhill trail. This path leads us through meadows and dense forests, passing alongside historic ruins."

How do you get to Parcheggio di Fornovolasco? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

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

Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

GuiddyExcursion
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 980 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Monte Forato from Fornovolasco – Trekking to the Natural Arch, Symbol of the Apuan Alps!

Monte Forato from Fornovolasco – Trekking to the Natural Arch, Symbol of the Apuan Alps!

Parcheggio di Fornovolasco, Fabbriche di Vergemoli (LU) · Toscana
1 day · Hiking · 1,215 m
Elevation gain
980 m
Max altitude
1,215 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+19
7 photos
+3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Monte Forato's natural arch from Fornovolasco

A rock arch suspended between sky and mountains.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Fornovolasco for one of the most iconic outings in the Apuan Alps: Monte Forato, with its enormous natural limestone arch, shaped over centuries by water and wind. It commands the Passo dell'Arco with extraordinary dimensions — a genuine cathedral of stone — and makes this one of the most striking paths in Tuscany. The climb is steady, and reaching the arch is one of those moments you photograph and remember.

5 reasons to come - the natural arch of Monte Forato, unique in Italy - the Passo dell'Arco and its scale - the Apuan Alps seen from inside - Fornovolasco, a stone village of the Garfagnana - a steady climb, repaid on arrival

Who it suits A steady climb on mountain path: normal walking fitness and a sure step.

A cathedral of stone: come and see it with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
980 m D+ · 13 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 980 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Parcheggio di Fornovolasco

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 13 km
Meeting point 9:00Parcheggio di Fornovolasco
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:00PARKING
Parking in Fornovolasco
We'll leave the car in the village and cross the small bridge over the Turrite stream. From there, we'll ascend the trail past gardens, ancient mills, and the evocative "Tana che Urla" (Howling Cave). We'll continue on, passing the vibrant spring of the Turrite di Gallicano, until we reach Foce di Petrosciana, an ancient and historically significant mountain pass.
12:30VIEWPOINT
Mount Forato: Hike Through a Natural Arch!
We'll hike all the way to the Arch of Monte Forato, an impressive window in the rock, standing 25m high and 32m wide. The view stretches across the Pania della Croce, the Omo Morto, and on clear days, all the way to the sea! We'll stop here, not only to admire the scenery, but also to enjoy our packed lunch.
15:00PARKING
Back to the trailhead.
"After a break at the arch, we'll head back towards the Foce di Valli along the mountain ridge, before rejoining the downhill trail. This path leads us through meadows and dense forests, passing alongside historic ruins."

How do you get to Parcheggio di Fornovolasco? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

GuiddyExcursion
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 980 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed