Strong legs and much determination on Mount Belvedere

This loop trail for mountain bikes, starting and ending in Massa, leads to an exploration of Mount Belvedere. The route combines sections of ascent on asphalt and singletrack stretches, partly retracing the route of the “10 Comuni” (“10 Municipalities”) cross-country race.

Offering a typical “Sunday ride” experience, the route is a fun and varied mix of both classic and modern trails carefully maintained by local cyclists. It starts from Piazza Aranci then proceeds to San Carlo Terme, reaching the village with its panoramic terrace. From here, turn right and head uphill along Via Belvedere, continuing on to Tombara and Volpara.

At the end of the paved road, uphill trails through chestnut woods lead to the locality of Canalacci/Bandito, where you continue to the right on the singletrack route with ups and downs, until turning onto a dirt road followed by a mule track then back to asphalt until reaching Santa Croce. Here, turn left onto the dirt road that leads to the summit of Mount Belvedere.

Circumnavigate the summit of the mountain until returning to the Santa Croce area, near the restaurant named La Capanna. Follow the wooden signs for Via delle Fonti and white/red trail markers past the Loco del Beghescio, emerging on the asphalt near the mouth of the Maribor and Budello trails and the Via delle Fonti, which you follow to the steps on the wide hairpin bend in the Tombara area. From here, descend to the Grotta delle Croci in Tombara, the Cristallo Spring and the Castello Malaspina. Cross the alleys surrounding the castle, descending from Via Piastronata then returning to Piazza Aranci in Massa.

Those who regularly engage in the sport of Cross Country may find this route relatively easy. In this Atlas, aimed at a less specialized audience, it is marked as Challenging.