The glacial lakes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Located at the foot of Mount Ventasso, Lake Calamone lies at an elevation of about 1,300 meters, surrounded by a spectacular setting of forests and majestic peaks.

It is easily accessible to everyone via the trails of the Upper Reggio Apennines trail network, which intersect with the Alta Via dei Parchi.

The lake is a natural treasure that captivates visitors with its beauty and tranquil atmosphere, revealing botanical rarities such as the Dactylorhiza praetermissa orchid—the only one found in Italy—and picturesque high-altitude blooms.
All around are beech, oak, and chestnut forests, as well as silver firs, linden trees, and maples, among which you can spot the free-roaming horses of Ventasso grazing.

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For those wishing to extend their visit, there are lodging options nearby, as well as mountain huts where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine: among these, the Rifugio Venusta on the shores of Lake Calamone is particularly noteworthy, offering the perfect spot to take in a breathtaking view.

Tucked away among the majestic peaksof the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Cerreto Laghi is the most important summer and winter resort in the Reggio Apennines.
Not only is the town easily accessible, but it also boasts numerous hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional cuisine featuring porcini mushrooms.

At the heart of the town lies the picturesque Lake Cerreto, a glacial lake surrounded by a backdrop of green mountains. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the sky and the surrounding peaks, creating a spectacle of colors and light that is unique in every season.

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• Hiking trails around the lake wind through fragrant coniferous forests and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views that, on clear days, allow you to admire the Gulf of La Spezia and Palmaria Island.
• Well-marked trails for mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts.
• Sports and creative activities such as canoeing, fishing, and pedal boats during the summer
• In winter, the lake transforms into an outdoor skating rink, adding a fairy-tale touch to the surrounding landscape.

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• Nearby are the picturesque Cerretani Lakes (Lake Pranda, Lake Scuro, Lake Le Gore), as well as the lake at the Ligonchio Hydroelectric Power Plant, in the stunning Ozola Valley. One of the most fascinating hiking trails in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines (formerly CAI 633) starts here, following the route of the spectacular Decauville railway, built beginning in 1915.
• The entire area is dotted with small lakes and alpine ponds, such as those at Prati di Sara, Lago del Caricatore, Lago del Capriolo, and, finally, Lago della Bargetana, which offers a spectacular view of Monte Cusna.

Inthe Parma Apennines, on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, lies the vast Parco dei Cento Laghi, a paradise for lovers of hiking and lake scenery.

The name itself hints at its main attraction: the lakes. One hundred bodies of water, large and small, dot the landscape, each with its own history and unique characteristics.

Among the most famous are Lago Santo, the largest lake in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines; Lago del Bicchiere; the Sillara Lakes; Lago Ballano; and Lago Verde.

The entire area is protected and offers a variety of natural wonders to admire, including small settlements and hilltop villages, pastures, and forests, all traversed by the long Alta Via dei Parchi trail.

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• During the warmer months, hikes and walks along the well-marked trails allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape
• In winter, the park is blanketed in snow, offering enchanting views and opportunities for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

The small local communities preserve ancient traditions and host events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the Apennines. Among the mountain huts in the area, the Rifugio Lagdei stands out; it is located on the plain of the same name at an altitude of 1,250 meters, amid beech and conifer forests.

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A possible itinerary to explore this area starts from Prato Spilla, a hub for hiking and excursions, heading toward Lake Ballano and Lake Verde, and finally ascending to the small Lake Frasconi, surrounded by a truly fairy-tale-like beech forest.

Stretching through the Colli Piacentini region, the Sentiero del Tidone (approximately 69 km) offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed on foot, by mountain bike, or even on horseback.

This adventure, which follows the course of the Tidone River, promises unforgettable experiences amid lush forests, medieval villages, and breathtaking views, all the way to the Molato Dam, an imposing and majestic man-made structure that forms the source of Lake Trebecco. The lake is an artificial reservoir, approximately 2.5 km long, set within a landscape of extraordinary beauty:the Upper Nure Valley.

The entire area is crisscrossed by over 560 km of trails that wind through a unique natural environment and connect the towns of Ponte dell’Olio, Bettola, Farini, and Ferriere.

This area is home to several glacially formed lakes, some of which are particularly picturesque and rank among the most popular hiking destinations in the Piacenza region. 
These include Lago Nero, the picturesque Lago Moo and Lago Bino, and Lago di Mignano—a dam originally built for hydroelectric power generation in Vernasca, which today serves as a reservoir featuring picnic areas andwalking trails.