SD-GRAVEL Stage 4: Succiso Nuovo – Fivizzano (MS)

PP:  Succiso Nuovo (RE); Q 980 masl
PA: Fivizzano (MS) Q 320 masl

Notes: All paved roads up to Passo del Giogo; from here onwards a dirt road leads to Panigaletto where the two paths join. From Cotto it is possible to go down on the paved road to the PA. SD-MTB arrives in Fivizzano from the Roman bridge, passing on ancient mule tracks with very bumpy ground; it is not recommended with heavy bags.

Description of the stage

From Succiso you enter the “heart” of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. It is the most "wildest" stage of the trail, with several technical sections both uphill and downhill. Above the Lagastrello Pass it overlaps with two other long routes dedicated to MTB: the Alta Via dei Parchi (AVPMTB Trail) and the Sentiero Italia CAI. This specific stretch is not suitable for the SD-GRAVEL route and you will need to overcome the Lagastrello Pass on a paved road. After a short detour to visit the ancient ruins of the Linari Abbey, the route will start descending into the Lunigiana region. The first stretch of this descending route is particularly challenging but rewarding. It ends at Comano Castle, surrounded by an amazingly preserved medieval village. It is strongly recommended to stop at the comfortable Hotel Elisa before the last effort: the uphill to the ridge of Monte Bottignana from which you overlook the Fivizzano valley. From here, starts a long and spectacular downhill between villages, mule tracks and stone walls. You can also cool off at a small waterfall. The arrival in Fivizzano is surprising: "rough", with a cobblestone path that leads to a monumental Roman bridge. The bridge is so originally preserved that it would almost make you wonder if you should"Pay the Duty" at the city gate ...

Alternative routes

SD-GRAVEL.4C Shortcut
Difference in height: + 30m -280m;
Length: 1.6 km;
Difficulty: BC / BC
Notes: NCB - Short link that “cuts” 9km.
Notes: NCB - Short link that “cuts” 9km. Very narrow road, if carrying bags it is advisable to walk the steepest and most bumpy sections.

SD-GRAVEL.4D Cerreto Pass
Difference in height: + 1030m -620m;
Length: 20.2 km;
Difficulty: TC / TC

Notes: Connection with the Cerreto Pass (bus on both sides; limitations for bikes to be checked). The GRAVEL stage Succiso – Cerreto in total is: +1760 -1860; 54 km; TC / TC 90% paved road.

Technical notes

Suggested stops: "Agriturismo beyond the water"; Agostiniani Hostel.
Water-refill stations: Succiso, Lagastrello dam, Comano, Panigaletto, Fivizzano.
Facilities: Numerous bars, trattorias and alternative stopping places along the route; consult the list of facilities.