Mount Falterona (1,654 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak in the province of Florence, dear to the Florentines because it is from there that the river that crosses the city, the Arno.
But it is also a place rich in nature, in one of the most beautiful national parks in Italy, the Park of the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna.
Established in 1993, it covers an area of 36,843 ha, of which 18,000 ha in Tuscany between the provinces of Florence and Arezzo.
80% of the territory of the Park is covered by woods and in 2018 the Park received the recognition of Human Heritage for the ancient beech forests of the Integral Natural Reserve of Sasso Fratino and surrounding areas.
The loop hike starts from the Borbotto Spring, near Castagno d'Andrea and follows well-marked paths inside the Park. Moving on from the legendary swamp of the Gorga Nera, you reach the springs of the Arno, Capo d'Arno, where an inscription in stone reminds us of the song XIV of the Purgatory of Dante. Continue until you reach Lake Idoli, evidence of the Etruscan presence in the area, and after a sharp climb you arrive at the top of Falterona from which, on clear days, you can enjoy beautiful views, up to the Alps, the Gran Sasso to the south and the Apuane Alps to the west. The return, always on a path mostly downhill, brings us back to the starting point.
Length: 10 km
Duration: 4 hours (including stops)
Altitude difference: 500 mt
Difficulty: E
Recommended season: autumn, spring, summer
Participation fee per person: 12 € (children under 12 years free)
