The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Parco Naturale La Mandria

There are over 45 dog-friendly hiking trails in and around Parco Naturale La Mandria, offering a wide range of options for you and your canine companion. These include 13 easy routes, 24 moderate, and 9 more challenging hikes.

Parco Naturale La Mandria is very welcoming to dogs, but it's crucial to keep them on a leash at all times. This is for their safety, the protection of the park's diverse wildlife (including deer, fallow deer, and wild boars), and the comfort of other visitors. Always remember to clean up after your dog.

Yes, the park offers several easy, relatively flat trails perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog or for families. An excellent option is the Church of San Biagio loop from Fiano, which is just under 4 km long and features minimal elevation gain.

Parco Naturale La Mandria boasts diverse landscapes, from dense, ancient forests and expansive open meadows to meandering streams and serene lakes. You'll find the most extended stretch of original Po Valley forest here, offering a rich ecological experience. Many trails feature well-maintained pedestrian paths, making them pleasant for both you and your dog.

Absolutely! Many of the dog-friendly trails in the park are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For a moderate circular option, consider the Church of San Biagio – Ceronda Pools in Varisella loop from Fiano, which covers about 13.7 km.

While dogs are generally welcome on trails, access to specific historical buildings might be restricted. However, you can hike past many significant landmarks. The La Mandria Castle Village and the La Mandria Castle itself are prominent features within the park, and you can explore their surroundings. The medieval church of San Giuliano is another notable historical testimony.

The park has several designated entrances with parking facilities. A well-known entry point is Ponte Verde — Entrance to La Mandria Park, which offers convenient access to trails. There's also Parco Naturale La Mandria, ingresso OVEST, another good option for parking.

Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant seasons for hiking with your dog in Parco Naturale La Mandria. The temperatures are milder, and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant with spring blooms or autumn foliage. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, and always ensure your dog has plenty of water.

Yes, some of the historic farmhouses (Cascinette) scattered throughout the park offer visitor services. For example, Casetta Remondino and Cascina Vittoria provide refreshments and restrooms, and often have outdoor areas where dogs are welcome. It's always a good idea to check directly with the establishment beforehand.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 530 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the ancient forests, the well-maintained paths suitable for dogs, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife. The blend of nature and historical elements, like the La Bizzarria, also receives positive feedback.

Yes, if you and your dog are up for a longer adventure, there are moderate and even some difficult trails available. For a substantial moderate hike, consider the Torre di Borgonuovo – St. Valerian's Chapel loop from Turin, which spans over 11 km and offers more varied terrain and elevation.