Just seven kilometres from Minucciano, you can reach the turn off for the Rifugio Orto di Donna, deep in the Apuan Alps, though you’ll have to leave your car in the small parking lot and trek the rest of the way on foot along CAI trail 180. When you arrive at the rifugio, you can begin a circular route through the mountains, enjoying breath-taking views along the way. Heading out to the left of the rifugio, take trail 179, which will cross the 167 at the Passo della Focolaccia. Continue until you come to trail 168 before hopping on the 186 to your right to head back to the rifugio.
You can also enjoy a hike to the top of Monte Pisanino, where mountain climbing activities are sure to be found. Though long and tiring, the “normal” route is the easiest on the mountain. Beginning in Val Serenaia, you can arrive to Foce di Cardeto pass, along trail 178. Head down a few hundred metres until you reach Buca della Neve, where the trail to the peak begins, marked in blue. You’ll cross the eastern slope of Pizzo Altare and Pizzo Maggiore, before reaching Foce dell’Altare. Here, you’ll follow the Canale delle Rose to get to the summit.
