Discover Cerreto Alpi: Trails, Lakes and Village History

Cerreto Alpi combines a long settlement history with varied trails and unique insights into the regional culture. If you are looking for a mix of nature experiences, village history and active days for your trip, you will find different points of interest here to help with your planning. The settlement developed along the ancient Via Lunigiana. In the historic centre, a 17th-century tavern recalls the past; an inscription set into the masonry is one of its distinctive features.

Village History and Milling Tradition

The Church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates from the 12th century, is one of the historic points of interest. The restored Mulino di Cerreto Alpi is currently used as a visitor centre for the national park. The two-storey stone building has three horizontal wheels, each of which drives a pair of millstones. This means that a visit can be connected not only with an appreciation of the architecture, but also with the former function of a mill.

Cerreto Alpi is also associated with the writer Silvio D’Arzo, whose real name was Ezio Comparoni. In 2011, small plaques dedicated to D’Arzo were placed on the village houses; in 2024, the village square was named after him. Anyone interested in literature and local history can incorporate these references into their travel plans as a separate route of discovery through Cerreto Alpi.

Hiking Trails, Forest and Lakes

The Blue Trail follows path 649E through the Morale forest along the right bank of the Canale Cerretano to Cerreto Alpi. One hike described in detail is “Cerreto Alpi e i Laghi”. It starts and ends in Cerreto Alpi at 921 m, takes 4 hours, is rated T (tourist) in difficulty and has an elevation gain of 450 m. The highest point is at 1310 m. The route follows trail markers 649, 649F and 649E; these are partly marked and absent in some places. Take these specific trail conditions into account when planning your day.

The route also passes Lago Le Gore, located in a small glacial amphitheatre. It is considered the most remote and least frequented lake in the area. In addition to its measurable details, the hike therefore offers a particular scenic focus. If you want to combine different interests, you can view the trails, lakes and historic sites of the village as different components of your trip.

I Briganti di Cerreto organises walking groups, trekking, snowshoe hikes and Nordic walking courses in the Apennine Park area all year round. The meeting point for these activities is always the Rifugio dei Briganti in Cerreto Alpi. Reservations are required; the necessary equipment is provided. This is particularly important for your planning if you prefer an organised activity rather than an individually planned hike.

Getting There and Choosing Your Accommodation

Cerreto Alpi can be reached via a turn-off from the SS 63. For the journey, it is recommended to park before the village on Via Circonvallazione, in the straight, level section, and then continue on foot to the Rifugio dei Briganti or into the village centre. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether to focus on the trails and organised activities or on the historic impressions in the village. The right accommodation choice depends above all on which of these travel ideas you want to define your stay.

Further Places to Explore

For further orientation, you can also explore Baiso, Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Tabiano, Scandiano, Toano, La Villa, Casale and Sant'ilario D'enza.

To the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.