There are still remarkable traces of the modelling processes that occurred during the glacial period in the mountains of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, and we can see them between the ridges and the mountain landscapes.
The voids caused by the action of the glaciers have left the space for many small glacial lakes, very suggestive to visit with walks and excursions, and also very easy.
It takes two days to complete this itinerary in the province of Reggio Emilia, discovering the natural beauty of some glacial lakes that are part of the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, an area of great environmental value.
These bodies of water, fed by glacial springs and surrounded by imposing peaks, offer a spectacular view that captures the imagination of any visitor.
Cerreto Laghi is one of the most important and equipped winter and summer resorts of the entire Tuscan-Emilian Apennine ridge. It is located about 2 km from the homonymous mountain pass (Passo del Cerreto), easily accessible via the SS 63 that connects Reggio Emilia and Emilia Romagna to Lunigiana, in Tuscany.
This tourist station develops in a basin of glacial origin located under La Nuda mount, around a system of lakes that have formed in a geological age through the disintegration of ancient glaciers. The best known of these is Lake Cerretano, to which are added more downstream lakes: Scuro, Le Gore and Lake Pranda.
There are ten hiking trails of different lengths in this area: the shortest lasts about 40 minutes, the longest about 4 h.
The recommended itinerary for those wishing to see all the lakes is the Orange Trail. This is an easy itinerary that, walking of a couple of hours through beautiful beech woods, allows you to admire the main lakes of the area starting from Piazzale del Lago del Cerreto (1346 m) and following the white/red trail 649 - 649 B - 649.
At the end of the route we recommend a stop in one of the many places of Cerreto Laghi to enjoy some delicious local dishes based on meats, cheeses and local products.
Lake Calamone is one of the most famous and photographed destinations in the Apennines of Reggio Emilia.
It is a small glacial lake, formed thousands of years ago; today it is one of the major naturalistic attractions of the territory.
There is no better season to visit: each one gives this place a particular beauty, as well as suggestive colors. In the autumn period, for example, it wears a thousand shades of color thanks to the natural phenomenon of foliage.
The advice is to spend a whole day in this area, in total relaxation and in full contact with nature.
The itinerary starts from the small tourist resort of Ventasso Laghi, distant from the village of Ramiseto about 10 km, within the municipality of Ventasso.
The walk starts on a slightly uphill dirt road, located between the campsite and the ski slope, and in a few minutes, about ten, visitors will see the lake. Once on its shores, it is possible to go around the water. It is a walk of just over 2.5 km, suitable for people of all ages, even children.
On the lake there is a historic lodge-restaurant, open from May to October, offering traditional dishes.
For those who want to go further, some CAI trails depart from Lake Calamone. They are recommended especially for the more trained, for example the CAI 661, that leads to the summit of Mount Ventasso, about 1700 meters high.
