Between October and November, the Bolognese Apennines are adorned with autumn colors, reaching their peak intensity during this time of year. The treetops slowly change hues: summer green gives way to bright yellows, intense oranges, deep reds, and shades of brown. Walking in the woods during this season means immersing yourself in evocative landscapes, where beech, chestnut, and mixed forests become veritable natural mosaics.
This itinerary offers three particularly suitable places for admiring the foliage in the Bolognese mountains: the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, the Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Park, and the Montovolo and Monte Vigese area.
The suggested routes alternate between hiking trails, historic villages, and open views of the Apennine ridge. They are ideal for days immersed in nature, trekking, photography, and discovering mountain landscapes. It will be like walking inside an Expressionist painting.
Technical note
The routes follow CAI trails and forest roads. Hiking shoes and suitable mountain clothing are recommended.
The first stage begins in Monteacuto delle Alpi, a village nestled in the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, nestled on a ridge overlooking the Silla Valley and the more secluded Baricello River. From the medieval village, we descend along the paved road (CAI 109) that leads to the Mulino della Squaglia and continue to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio.
In autumn, the evocative power of this place intensifies, thanks to the yellow of the chestnut leaves and the reddish foliage of the beech trees. From here, a series of small ups and downs accompany us along the Baricello River, up to the Cascata dell’Acqua Caduta waterfall, nestled in the beech forest.
After the waterfall, continue to Pian dello Stellaio, a meadow opening up between the trees, and then onto CAI trail 101 to the ancient beech trees of "Rombicciaio." The foliage of these majestic trees will appear like veritable clouds at sunset, bathed in hues of red and orange.
The next stop is the Donna Morta bivouac, always open to hikers. From there, simply follow CAI trail 111 back to Monteacuto, following trails that reveal traces of a time when woods were crucial to the mountain economy: dry stone walls, huts, ancient dwellings, and paving stones. On the way back to town, we recommend peering through the colorful foliage every now and then to admire the multicolored slopes of the surrounding mountains.
At the end of the trek, you can spend the night in Lizzano in Belvedere, to fully immerse yourself in the mountain atmosphere or in Camugnano, a convenient starting point for the second and third stages.
Monte di Stagno, Monte Calvi, Poggio delle Vecchiette, and Monte Gatta are just some of the peaks in the Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Regional Park, home to some of the most picturesque forests in the Bolognese Apennines. The starting point is the small village of Stagno located in the municipality of Camugnano, which offers a beautiful view of Lake Suviana. Following CAI trail 155, you climb towards Monte di Stagno (1,213 m), passing through mixed forests that offer spectacular displays of color in autumn. The hike can continue as a loop along trail 009.
Travel tip
On your return journey, include a detour to Chiapporato, a charming abandoned village immersed in nature, accessible via a comfortable and easy dirt road walk. The stone houses, uninhabited since 2013, and the silence that envelops the place create a particularly romantic and decadent atmosphere, especially during the autumn season.
Starting from Alto Reno Terme, we travel a few kilometers to the Grizzana Morandi area. Many quarries were once active here, quarrying sandstone, essential for stonemasons and the construction of local buildings. These timeless places are even more evocative during the foliage season, which also envelops Montovolo, one of the most scenic spots in the Bolognese Apennines. Known for the sanctuary of the same name and the small oratory of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, the site is surrounded by oak and chestnut forests that offer spectacular views in autumn. The trail leading to the summit of Monte Vigese starts from the sanctuary, accessible via trails VMDBO 008 and 039B. The last stretch is steeper, but from the summit, a view opens up that makes the effort worthwhile, especially on clear autumn days.
Travel Tips
