Right along the border between the famously picturesque, rolling green landscapes of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, you will find the Appennino Parmense Orientale, a chain of mountains located in the Eastern part of the Province of Parma. For those who have found a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna or a vacation rental in Tuscany and who are looking to go hiking during their stay in Italy, it is definitely a place to take note of as it boasts lots of different routes and incredible views. Whether you are an experienced hiker, a hobbyist, or a budding photographer looking to simply dip your toes in the water and get some great shots, whether you want to stretch your legs or have an adventure, whether you have a whole day to spend or just hours, you'll find a trail (or a part of a trail) that will suit your needs in this part of the world. However, if you're particularly interested in pretty scenery and breathtaking views, then there is one section of the mountain range that we would recommend: Monte Sillara and her twin lakes that offer an extraordinary panorama right over the surrounding landscape, right out to the islands of the Tuscan Coast and to Corsica on the clearest days.
The highest peak of the whole Appennino Parmense, Monte Sillara is a popular hiking, mountaineering, and ski-mountaineering destination throughout the year as it is easy to access all year round and is well established and set-up for visitors and hikers. However, the main draw is just how spectacularly picturesque the summit of Monte Sillara is: secluded and charming, the summit looks down on the north-eastern side to a basin that contains the well-known and beloved Laghi Sillara, or Sillara Twin Lakes, and on the south-western side to steep and rocky slopes coming up from the Tuscany-facing part of the range. As noted, the summit boasts incredible views over the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea and right to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica on the clearest of days. People come from all over to tackle the peak and take in this truly astounding sight!
Those looking to undertake this trip to the summit of Monte Sillara should note that it can be climbed following three main normal routes that are accessed from three different starting points at Lagoni, Valditacca, and Pratospilla.
The Lagoni Option:
To get to this starting point and route, follow the SP 665B (Massese) towards Langhirano and Pastorello from Parma and take the right at the Pastorello roundabout to head for Beduzzo and Miano. Follow to where the road forks and take a right to Bosco di Corniglio and an area called Cancelli. Then take a left and follow a gravel road that runs through the beautiful forest towards Lagoni. You will then find a parking lot and be able to start your hike. Start at trail n. 711 to the Capanne del Lago Scuro and then take trail n. 713, which will take you up a steeply rocky step, into a valley, and then to a steep snow slope, heading to Passo Patini and the main boundary crest. This will take you south along the ridge and then up the last slopes to the summit.
The Valditacca Option:
Leaving from Parma, follow the SP 665B (Massese) towards Langhirano and Pastorello and go straight through at the Pastorello roundabout to the main road SP 665. Cross the bridge over the torrente Parma, heading towards Lagrimone, Ranzano, Palanzano, and Lugagnano and, after Lugagnano, leave the main road and turn right towards Pianadetto and Valditacca. From Valditacca, you need to take the road to Passo della Colla and then park in a pull out along the road, about a kilometre on from Valditacca. On foot, head along the road to where it forks and then leave the road and head to the left, aiming for a bridge over a stream. Go past the bridge and then take a quick right and follow the trail that heads up through the forest towards a little wooden shelter (the Capanna Forestale Pianaccia m. 1270). Take the main trail n. 709, ignoring the first junction, and then the second one to the left, until you reach a third fork with the trail n. 711 to the right. Stay on the main trail 709 and head towards the Rio Frasconi, crossing the stream and heading south, leaving the main trail to enter a beautiful and narrow valley that leads to a wide basin below the main boundary ridge. Climb the steep slope up to the boundary ridge and turn to the right (north), following the wide ridge to the summit cross.
The Pratospilla Option:
Leaving from Parma, follow the SP 665B (Massese) towards Langhirano and Pastorello and go straight through at the Pastorello roundabout to the main road SP 665. Cross the bridge over the torrente Parma, heading towards Lagrimone and then Ranzano In Selvanizza. Here, leave the main road, keeping to the left, and then follow the Valle dei Cavalieri road, passing Vairo, Nirone, and Rigoso, until you reach Pratospilla. From the parking at Pratospilla, follow trail n. 707 to Lago Ballano. When you meet a fork in the trail, take a left, following trail n. 707a to Lago Verde. Once at the lake, head to the little shelter (Capanna Cagnin, m. 1589) above and head west, towards the main boundary ridge between Emilia and Tuscany. On the ridge, turn to right (north) and follow along the South-East crest to the summit of Sillara.
In addition to these routes, there are other options in the area and you always can choose to take a section of a trail and turn back when it suits you, though we would suggest sticking with it and aiming for the summit, if possible. It really is an extraordinary place and boasts the most incredible views, a definite must for hiking enthusiasts who are spending time in this part of Italy!