The natural border between the Mediterranean and the plain
North Apennine mountains ridge is almost the border of three regions of Italy. As a result, we find the regions of Liguria and Tuscany, as well Emilia Romagna to the east of the ridge. In the detail, it is the border between all the provinces of the Emilian part and the two neighbouring regions of Liguria and Tuscany. In Emilia Romagna the provinces are Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna. As a result, at this point, the earth’s crust ripples as a sharp blade and creates an amazing natural border between the Mediterranean and the plain, known as the Po valley. Worth a note, we are in front of the highest peaks of the north Apennine mountains ridge. Some, such as the Cimone, Mount Cusna or the Alpe di Succiso, rise over the 2000 meters of altitude, and other summits almost reach them.
The lakes and the ponds
One of the characteristics that associate the whole mountains chain of Emilia is the presence of lakes and ponds that is a legacy of the glacial age. As a result, the Quaternary glaciers has excavated the numerous basins that today the precious clear and pure waters fill them, often suspended just a few meters from the ridge. This is the case of the high mountain of the province of Parma where the concentration of water mirrors is very high and it indelibly marks the landscape.
The rains along the north apennine mountains ridge
If the water is one of the great riches of the high Emilian Apennine, we must not forget that this is also due to the particular microclimate. We are in fact in an area with record rainfall, where, in some stretches, we also exceed 2000 mm of rain per year. Along with the wind, among the leitmotifs of the ridge are in fact the magnificent cumulonimbus. The gray-blue clouds laden with Tyrrhenian water, which rise up with the thermal winds and clash against the Apennines. And these are an integral part of the landscape of the ridge. Fortunately, the concentration of the precipitations is usually in the seasons and in the canonical months. As a result, it leaves plenty of time for those who choose to venture into these beautiful mountains.
Hiking on the mountains
There is an original and rewarding way to know the north Apennine mountains ridge. And it is to walk through on foot. Therefore, in every other place of life the “high speed” lay down the law. As a result, the ridge is the right place to slow down. However caution is always necessary when you face the mountain, and you need a minimum of equipment and experience. Respecting these simple rules, the adventure along these Apennine paths is really possible for everyone.
The Grand Italian Trail
Along the ridge of the Apennine Mountains runs the Grand Italian Trail, which is the longest national trekking path. For sure the most important hiking trail of Italy, a real preferential lane. We find it with the acronym SI with white and red as the trail sign. As a result, these are facilities for anyone who wants to walk in nature. In conclusion, the perfect solution to discover the many breathtaking landscapes that can offer the Emilian ridge.
GEA, Italian acronym for Great Apennine Hiking
Worth a note, in this stretch of the Apennine ridge, the Grand Italian Trail coincides with the Great Apennine Hiking, a trekking path made in 1983 near the watershed and inaugurated by Reinhold Messner. In the detail, the Gea links the Passo dei Due Santi in the province of Parma and Mouth Trabaria, in the Marches Apennines. And also it often follows the Cai Trail on the crest line conventionally numbered 00 (zero-zero). It is long over 400 km.
Mountain trails for anyone
You can leave the long trails to the enthusiasts, and you can still hike on the ridge organizing yourself or taking advantage of professional hiking guides or high mountain guides. As a result, from the area of Bologna to the highest side of Parma, the Gea has 11 stages, touching picturesque mountain villages. Such as the towns of Bosco di Corniglio, Prato Spilla, and Succiso. As well as Cerreto, Civago, San Pellegrino in the Alps, Abetone, Fellicarolo, Pianaccio and Pracchia. In conclusion, places that can be also as an entrance point along the hiking trail offering authentic mountain hospitality.