The Trossa stream and the Farneta point

The starting point can be reached by an easy to follow dirt road branching off from the municipal road that goes to Sant’Ippolito.

From the Strada Statale 439 road, before the Montecerboli village, at the crossroads go towards Sant’Ippolito to find yourself into the heart of the Monterufoli forest, where a path opens out allowing you to look over a large part of the territory.

Pian di Creta, the starting point of the hike, is almost a true and proper botanical garden, where the colours of the spring blooms on the serpentine rocks form a rare spectacle: narcissuses, tulip and irises adorn the landscape together with the many endemic species. Beyond the Monna farm, the immense forests of Farneta, rich in biodiversity, are interrupted by permanent wetlands, with hygrophilous plants and valuable fauna, such as the European pond turtle, the yellow-bellied toad and the spectacled salamander.

Among the plants you can meet here there is the yew, a very ancient conifer, and the sessile oak, from which some of the most important furniture woods in Italy are made. Both are well known for their rarity. In late spring this route is the only place where you can admire the extremely rare blooms of the Dictamus. The surprises, though, are far from over, as the last downhill stretch leads to the confluence of the Secolo and Trossa streams, an enchanting place, where mirrors of crystal-clear water are set between a large boulder and sandy banks, inviting you to rest and meditate.

Finally, in the open areas your attention will surely be captured by the flight of birds of prey, such as the short-toed eagle. You will then climb back up through a rocky path to reach Puntone di Farneta, from where you can enjoy superb views and then descend to the starting point, walking through a seducing blossoming garden.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.