I like mountain, I love the idea to feel surrounded by the nature and I feel regenerated by the good energy that it transmits. Although I often prefer the sea, an habitat where I feel really “at home”, I would like to discover more about it!
So, I thought to start with some places in our beautiful Modena Apennines, with an excursion, that I already did in the past, to Scaffaiolo Lake, starting from Capanno Tassoni and passing through the “Croce Arcana”. I tell you how it went!

Modena Apennines: an incredible place

Another little suggestion that I want to give you in order to avoid annoying disadvantages (tried on my skin!) is to check your equipment before leaving, especially your walking shoes.

Located at 1317 of altitude, Capanno Tassoni was born in the 1930s as a shelter and operational base for those who worked on the valley reforestation project. At the time of World War II, then, given it proximity to the famous “Gothic line”, it was chosen by the Partigans as base. It was in ’70 that it officially became an alpine haven, beginning to give hospitality and refreshment to people who passed from here.
If you have time, maybe on the return, stop here to try the tasty mountain foods at the restaurant!

From the hut, through the CAI trail no. 413, you can go up to “Croce Arcana“. It takes about one hour (the trail marks 40 minutes, but my step was much slower). The first part of the walk passes through a beautiful forest.

Out of the wood, there is still a bit of climb before reaching the pass, but I’m sure that walking admiring the panorama around you it will be very enjoyable!

Once arrived, it will be easy to recognize the iron cross located near the ridge that marks the pass of the “Croce Arcana” (at 1670 m), the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

This bend, situated along the high ridge of the Northern Apennines, was for many centuries (until the end of the eighteenth century) the most convenient way to cross from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian side and vice versa.

A few steps from the cross, you will also find the “Shrine of the Alpine”, a monument erected in honor of these valiant men.

A curiosity: in the night of falling stars, on 10th of August, this area becomes an astronomical observatory. From here, in fact, you can enjoy an exceptional view!

Stop for a moment to breathe all the beauty of these places! The panorama is magnificent: you can see the peaks of Abetone, “Libro Aperto” and Cimone.

Although you can get up to this point by car or by motorcycle, following the dirt road from Capanno Tassoni, I will passionately recommend you this walk. I’m sure it will give you so much satisfaction!

After the contemplation moment, you are ready to start again: direction Scaffaiolo Lake, a pearl of the Modena Apennines.
By taking the panoramic path along the ridge, after the Alpine Monument, you will arrive in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Scaffaiolo Lake is located at 1780 meters of altitude at the foot of Monte Cupolino. It is a very impressive place.

When climatic conditions are good (attention: here the weather varies easily), the view is beautiful 🙂
Once you arrive, you can enjoy your well-deserved rest or lying down by the shores or going to “Duca degli Abruzzi” hut, the first one in the Apennines history (inaugurated in 1878), from where you can admire the splendid landscape.

It’s hard to describe the great satisfaction you have once you get there! You have made some effort, but you feel at the same time happy and full of desire to breathe the beauty of the places around you!
A really nice feeling that only the mountain can give you… and Modena Apennines can surely give you beautiful sensations 🙂

My excursion to Scaffaiolo Lake is also on Steller: