The Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano is one of Italy’s most magnificent national parks — a vast protected landscape straddling the high Apennine ridges that separate Emilia-Romagna from Tuscany, encompassing some of the most dramatic, biologically rich and visually breathtaking territory in the entire Italian peninsula. Established in 2001, the park extends across an area of approximately 22,000 hectares, protecting extraordinary ecosystems of mountain forest, alpine meadow, glacial lake and rocky summit that have remained largely intact for millennia.
The park’s landscapes are defined by their extraordinary diversity: ancient beech forests — including the UNESCO-recognised Foresta di Sassofratino — give way to windswept ridges and open summits, while clear mountain streams carve through valleys of singular beauty. The biodiversity of the park is remarkable, supporting populations of golden eagle, wolf, otter and red kite alongside a rich tapestry of endemic plant species, orchids and alpine flora that paint the meadows in extraordinary colour through the warmer months.
For the active visitor, the park offers an exceptional network of marked walking and hiking trails, connecting villages, peaks, mountain refuges and natural landmarks across its full extent. The trail to the summit of Monte Cusna — at 2,121 metres the highest point of the Emilian Apennines — is among the most rewarding long-distance walks in the region. Via ferrata routes, mountain biking trails and guided naturalistic excursions with park rangers provide further dimensions of discovery.
The park’s visitor centres, located across the territory, offer orientation, maps, educational materials and programme information. Entry to the park itself is free.
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