Acquerino Cantagallo Nature Reserve

The Acquerino Cantagallo Nature Reserve, established in 1998 by the Tuscany Region, extends across 1,867 hectares in the heart of the Apennines and is one of the most captivating areas in the Valbisenzio. 
There are two main entrances: one from the village of Cantagallo and the other from Cascina di Spedaletto, where there are Visitor Centers and information boards for better exploration of the reserve.
The area is largely wild and unspoiled and is rich in woods, mountains and waterways, among which Monte Bucciana and the Bisenzio Springs stand out.  
From the semi-abandoned hamlet of Luogomano, there is a sweeping view of the reserve.
There are numerous trails to walk along, the oldest of which is the Trail of the Tabernacles that runs along the Poggio di Taglianico-Cavallaie ridge.

The chestnut and beech woods are home to a wide variety of animals: the deer is the symbol of the reserve, but fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar and predators like foxes, badgers, martens and weasels also live here. The presence of wolves and wildcats, now rare in many other areas, is particularly important.
Protected species also include the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) and the spectacled salamander (Salamandrina terdigitata).
The reserve contains remains of ancient woodland and farming activities, with farmsteads and livestock shelters, now in ruins, like the Farmsteads of Barbe, Vespaio, Spedaletto and Cave. 

Acquerino Cantagallo is perfect for hiking and nature walks, offering spectacular views and close encounters with wildlife.