Description
Technical Data.
Length: 13 km
Height difference: 650 m
Walking time: 5 hours (Variants + 1h each)
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This loop educational trail starts from Vallico Sotto (on the map route marked in red).
From the parking lot we cross the village until we reach the highest point of the village, where the 'wide mule track begins and in about 20 minutes connects to Vallico Sopra, an ancient medieval village characterized by low vaults and slate roofs.
The path crosses the village from the bottom to the top and continues following the old mule track indicated with white/red CAI trail marker No. 111 in the direction of San Luigi, a magnificent mountain pasture still inhabited by shepherds who continue the preparation of excellent cheese with their flocks.
At San Luigi take the CAI trail No. 136 to the left towards Foce Palodina. From here with a detour of a few minutes it is possible to reach the summit of Mount Palodina, where the view sweeps from the Apuan Alps through all of Garfagnana to the green peaks of the Apennines.
The trail (always trail marker No. 136) continues on the slopes of Montaprato among beech, birch and chestnut forests. Turn left at the junction with CAI trail No. 135, which in a few minutes leads to Foce Pompanella, a wolf passage and marking site, so keep an eye out!
From here keep left, descending along the road, first dirt then asphalt, through ancient chestnut groves and small hamlets to rejoin the main asphalt road a few hundred meters above the starting point of Vallico Sotto.
Mill Variant (yellow section). It is possible to start the route from the old mill located along the provincial road that leads to Fabbriche di Vallico and runs along the Turrite Cava stream at its confluence with the Rio Silvano. Crossing the entrance arch of the mill on the right begins the mule track that skirts the Rio Silvano and leads to the village of Vallico Sotto.
Variant of Fabbriche di Vallico (purple section). It is also possible to start the loop from the village of Fabbriche di Valico by following the route of the variant that in 40 minutes from the village takes us to Vallico di Sotto passing through the locality Le Polle.
Once in S. Luigi, inside the small deconsecrated church, it is possible to visit an information point that describes the relationship between the wolf and our territory. A wooden statue, created by artist Luigi Paolini, has also been included. Anyone interested in visiting the information point is asked to contact the Municipality of Fabbriche di Vergemoli.