Zona del Parco: From Lunigiana to Parmense
Entirely in the heart of Appennino Reggiano, the route develops in upper Enza valley and in the valley of one of its tributaries, Liocca: a broad territory with mountain features delimited in the south-west by the main watershed between Lagastrello and Cerreto Passes and in the north-east by Mt. Ventasso.
Immediately after Lagastrello Pass, take on the right the road SP 15 running along the right slope of Enza valley, touching Miscoso country hamlet, in the Municipality of Ramiseto, housing among the other things the 17th century San Giacomo Church. Follow then the valley of the stream Liocca up to Succiso, where you will find one of the Park Visitor Centers, an ancient feud of Vallisneri and today departure point for various tours in the surroundings, also on horseback and by mountain bike. The area of Succiso was characterized in the past by several working mills, among which Mulino Mocchi, on the right bank of the stream Liocca.
From Succiso, go back to the road SP 15 leading to the town of Cecciola, another ancient estate of Vallisneri and one of the best preserved historical towns in the Apennines. Near the town, along the stream Liocca, you will find Mulino Briselli.
Immediately beyond Cecciola, turn right to visit Pieve San Vincenzo, a location preserving an ancient church probably dating back to the 13th century and two old mills.
Taking again SP 15, you will go round the stream Andrella: on its right bank there is Mulino Casalini, dating back to the 18th century and still working. Beyond the town of Castagneto, turn left to reach the historical town of Montedello, situated on a beautiful panoramic ridge.
The route continues towards Ramiseto, an ancient feud of Vallisneri; beyond it, turn left to Nigone country hamlet, housing the 14th century Santa Maria Assunta Church.
From Ramiseto, the road SP 102 climbs to SS. Cipriano and Giustina country church and leads to Montemiscoso, beyond which you will turn right to Pratizzano. After crossing the Pass, from where you can shortly get in Scalucchia Pass, go down in Valle del Secchia until you reach the historical town of Vallisnera, the birthplace of the medieval noble family. Despite many ancient buildings have been lost because of the landslides characterizing the area, in the north of the town you can find the rests of the famous Rocca di Vallisnera.
Going back to SP 102, head for Mt. Ventasso, up to the ski facility area. At about 150m downstream, a route leading to Calamone Lake begins, the largest natural basin of the Province of Reggio, set in a natural context of great beauty and generated from the evolution of the last glaciation. From the lake you can follow the hiking route and reach the summit of the mountain which, together with the lake and the adjacent peat bogs, is a Site of Community Importance.
