There is nothing better than taking your four-legged friend for a walk in the midst of nature.
The National Park of the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna is a real paradise to explore with your pet.
The entire area is criss-crossed by marked trails and paths immersed in nature that offer breathtaking views and the chance to encounter unique flora and fauna. There are so many itineraries to explore.
For this reason, we would like to offer you some interesting hints and suggestions in the area around Premilcuore so that you can have a fantastic adventure with your faithful friend.
Before setting off, equip yourself with maps, a compass, hiking shoes, water and... a lot of energy.
Don't forget that dogs inside the park must be kept on a leash at all times, and it is necessary to bring a muzzle and bags for collecting droppings.
A beautiful itinerary to do with your pet is definitely the ring trek around Monte Tiravento in the Premilcuore area (10.8 km with an altitude difference of 600 metres). We are in the Forlì area of Romagna, in the heart of the Casentino Forest National Park.
This is a very well-marked route of about 5 hours (including a stop for a packed lunch), always along paths, dedicated to hikers accustomed to walking and in good health.
One of the possible starting points is the Public Photographic Archive (Archivio Pubblico Fotografico), in the historic centre of Premilcuore.
From here, take path no. 325 through a fascinating woodland route among downy oaks, pines and turkey oaks, which after about half a kilometre branches off to the right to join the ring itinerary.
The intense green, the scents of nature and the silence interrupted only by footsteps make this a unique experience.
Proceeding to the next fork between trails No. 313 and No. 315, it is recommended to continue with your dog along trail No. 315 until you reach the asphalt road.
The more daring and experienced hikers may also decide to take the road to the left at the first fork to reach the summit of Monte Tiravento. In this case, the route, especially in the first part, is characterised by a long uphill stretch until the summit.
Once at the top, we recommend a restorative stop to enjoy the incredible view with your faithful friend.
The following day, you can set off to explore the Rabbi river (duration: approx. 2 hours / length: 4.5 km), proceeding along the banks until you reach the picturesque Cascata della Sega waterfall.
After leaving your car in Via Sandro Pertini car park, cross the bridge with your pet and turn right into Via Canova.
From here, following the wooden arrow-shaped signs bearing the words Percorso fluviale / Antica strada Fiorentina (River Route / Ancient Florentine Road), you will soon reach the most characteristic areas: the Lastronata with the Gorga del Mulinaccio, the Cascata della Sega waterfall and the Grotta Urlante cave.
If the weather is fine, you can take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Cascata della Sega waterfall... even your dog will appreciate it!
From the Grotta Urlante continue walking for about 3 km to the junction with path no. 339, from which you can reach the Bivacco del Gorgolaio, an excellent place to take a break and refresh yourself. It has a fresh water fountain and two fireplaces for cooking, as well as a nice picnic area with tables and a stone barbecue.
For those who wish to continue exploring nature, the area offers other interesting walking opportunities.
Among these is the Sentiero Natura (route duration: approx. 2 hours/length: 2 km). This is a ring-shaped itinerary, easy to walk and with a slight difference in altitude, also suitable for children who are minimally trained in walking.
The trail starts from the car park of the Fiumicello Tourist Residence (Residenza Turistica) Restaurant, in Via Fiumicello 1, at the locality of the same name, located about 6 km from the historic centre of Premilcuore along the SS 9 road.
This is a didactic trek that, along the route, using special panels, narrates how man lived in these areas, before the mountain depopulation.
Just 300 metres from the start of the itinerary is the old Mengozzi Mill, which remained in operation until the 1960s.
The structure, which is still in operation today, is active on holidays and during special events. It is a perfect place to enjoy a nice moment of refreshment with your four-legged friend.
Look at the map with directions.