The Monte Prado
The Monte Prado (2054 m) is the highest mountain in Tuscany and is located in the Apennines, a 1500 km long mountain range in Italy. Located directly on the border with Emilia-Romagna, Monte Prado is surrounded by some higher mountains, such as Monte la Piella (2078m) and Monte Cusna (2121m), which, however, are on the other side of the border. Nevertheless, as the highest point in Tuscany, Monte Prado is a very popular destination.
Compared to the craggy limestone mountains of the Apuan Alps to the west, which can be admired in the distance on good days, hikers on Monte Prado can expect gentle, grassy and bushy hills made of primary rock and relaxed tours over a ridge with great views.
Tours on Monte Prado
The biggest challenge when climbing Monte Prado is probably the distance from the closest starting point, which is 7 km horizontally and 1100 meters in altitude. The summit can be reached via a breathtaking hiking route over the ridge of the main ridge of the Apennines. On the route, Monte Cella and Monte Vecchio must first be climbed. The starting point of the hike is in a small ski area, so there are a few in winter Ski touring on the Monte Prado.
The entrance is in the parking lot at Albergo Il Casone and follows the marker 54 to a pull-way (do not follow the ski slope). The ridge is reached in bends, from where the path leads through a beech forest to the Rifugio Cella (1650 m). From there the path continues over meadows and finally narrows to a path to a stone man. From there the path becomes clearer. A short time later you are on the Bocca di Massa pass (1816 m).
There you keep to the left to cross the flank of Monte Cella to Passo de Scaglione and then to Monte Vecchio (1982 m). This is followed by a small descent of around 50 meters into a notch and then the hike leads over the pre-summit (2008 m) to Monte Prado with a marker stone and stone man.
Arrival to Monte Prado
The best starting point Casone di Profecchia southwest of the Passo delle Radici can be reached from both Florence and Pisa, as well as from Bologna without any problems. From Florence and Pisa Coming from there, take the A11 motorway to Lucca and then change to the SS12 towards Abetone. At Borgo a Mozzano take the SP2 towards Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and then onto the SS324 towards Passo delle Radici and continue to Casone di Profecchia.
From Bologna take the motorway towards Modena. At the southern exit of Modena, take the SS12 south to Abetona. At Pievepelago, change to the SS324 via Passo delle Radici and continue from there to Casone di Profecchia.
More vacation options
Tuscany is always worth a trip and it's worth it Vacation home in Italy to rent to fully enjoy the lifestyle and the sight. If you like a little variety on holiday, you can drive towards the sea in just 2 hours after a hike on Monte Prado. Marina di Massa is a small place on the Tuscan coast, which is bordered by the mountains of Tuscany. Many holidaymakers come to this seaside resort to combine mountains and sea.
Active vacationers who want to undertake further tours after climbing Monte Massa can visit the Apuan Alps. Here the hiking trails lead through pine forests and mountain meadows and offer panoramic views of emerald green mountain lakes.
For a little culture, take a trip to the city Lucca recommendable. The historic city center with the cobblestone streets typical of Tuscan cities is surrounded by a well-preserved city wall from the Renaissance. It is the most famous landmark of the city, but also that House of Puccini, Birthplace of the world-famous composer and now a museum, is worth seeing. The tree-lined wide paths on the impressive ramparts of the 16th and 17th centuries invite you to take a walk.
