Laghetto del Cavone and Lago Scaffaiolo – loop in the Parco Regionale del Corno alle Scale

Begin your moderate hike at Laghetto del Cavone, a small lake at the base of Corno alle Scale. This 5.5-mile (8.8 km) loop involves a significant 1733 feet (528 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. You'll climb through cool beech forests alongside the Rio Piano stream before the landscape opens up to high-altitude terrain. The path leads to Lago Scaffaiolo, a picturesque high mountain lake, and often includes a traverse along the Apennine ridge, offering sweeping 360-degree views of surrounding peaks like Monte Cimone. You might even spot meadows of crocuses after the snow melts.

To start, you can drive to Laghetto del Cavone, where parking is available. A refuge and ski lifts are also present, with the lifts offering an option to shorten the initial climb during summer. This trail can be popular, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. Remember to bring plenty of water, particularly on sunny days, as tree cover can be scarce in parts. Good fitness and sure-footedness are essential for this route, especially on exposed sections like the "Balzi dell'Ora."

This loop offers more than just scenic beauty; it's rich in history and unique features. Lago Scaffaiolo, located at 1,785 meters, is one of the best-known lakes in the Emilian Apennines, even mentioned by Boccaccio in 1373. The historic Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, inaugurated in 1878, stands by its shores, providing a welcome spot for rest and food. On clear days, the panoramic views from the ridge can extend to the Alpine arc, Corsica, and the Tuscan archipelago, with the crest path marking the natural boundary between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.