Ring of San Pellegrino in Alpe

Embark on a moderate hike along the Ring of San Pellegrino in Alpe, a 9.6-mile (15.4 km) loop that takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. You will gain 1406 feet (429 metres) in elevation as you traverse natural paths and beech forests. The route offers sweeping panoramic views of the Garfagnana valley, the Apennine ridgeline, and on clear days, even the distant Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea. While generally accessible, some steep sections require good fitness.

Plan your visit between late spring and early autumn, typically from May to October, for the most favorable weather conditions. The trail is well-marked, guiding you through a varied terrain of natural paths, gravel sections, and some mountain hiking paths. San Pellegrino in Alpe, the starting point, is a unique mountain village perched at 1,525 meters, making it the highest permanently inhabited settlement in the Apennines.

This trail is rich in history and local legends, centered around the ancient Sanctuary of San Pellegrino in Alpe, a significant pilgrimage site. The village itself straddles the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, with the border even passing through the Sanctuary. You can explore the