Corno alle Scale Regional Park: the wild heart of the Bolognese Apennines

Straddling Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, you'll find one of the most evocative natural destinations in the province of Bologna: the Corno alle Scale Regional Park stretches between high-altitude grasslands and deep valleys. If you love unspoiled places, full of greenery and nature, then this is the perfect destination.

Between one season and the next, the experience will change radically: in spring and summer, the trails will fill with spontaneous blooms, while in autumn the woods ignite with red and gold. In winter, however, the park becomes a kingdom that seems made specifically for skiers.

The Dardagna Waterfall is one of the most photographed jewels of the park, with its cascades over dark rocks. The trail to reach the waterfall is also suitable for less experienced hikers. Lake Scaffaiolo is also an unmissable spot, located over 1700 meters in altitude. Here the sky and clouds are reflected in an almost alpine atmosphere.

Along the trails, you also come across centuries-old buildings, rich in spirituality, such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero, which is a small jewel nestled in the woods, a destination for pilgrimages and also a starting point for many excursions. There are those who walk the trails and those who cycle on their mountain bikes. The nearby villages, Lizzano in Belvedere and Vidiciatico, offer a warm welcome, and the cuisine here is excellent, with porcini mushrooms and tortelloni.

The park is easily reached from Bologna in just over an hour by car, while in summer there are also buses that get there. However, to move between the various panoramic points and to best enjoy the park, it is advisable to have your own means of transport.

cover photo credits Marco Ascari