Hikes in Masone

Hiking route that includes a visit to the Pratorondanino Botanical Garden (check the opening periods)

MASONE - FORTE GEREMIA - MASONE The route starts from the village of Masone, from the church parking lot turning behind the G.V.M. Macciò Masone Nursing Home on via Cascata Serpente, heading towards “Cascata del Serpente”. This first stretch of the walk is very gentle and leads us to a cliff overlooking the waterfall with a truly magical view, arriving at the panoramic point which is preceded by a small botanical path. (In this season, we can only observe this wonder from above, but in summer some people refresh themselves in the waters of the pond into which the waterfall plunges). Once at the waterfall, to continue towards Forte Geremia, the route involves going back slightly before the waterfall, following the path marked by double empty yellow diamonds, which in about an hour leads to the fort. The trail here passes through wonderful woods, walking on carpets of chestnut burrs and chestnuts. After leaving the woods, the view opens up shortly after onto the fortress (806 m). (Forte Geremia, named after the peak on which it stands, dates back to the First World War and could accommodate more than one hundred soldiers). It is now owned by the Municipality of Masone (managed by Emanuela, an energetic and welcoming lady; it is possible to have lunch at the fort on weekends by reservation). From here you enjoy a spectacular view of our city, and there is really plenty of space to relax. After the pause at the fort, you descend via an easy trail until you reach the village of Cappelletta, another truly charming little village. This completes a circular route of about 10 km, among old houses where you can still breathe the atmosphere of the past, with the smell of wood stoves and an autumnal atmosphere. (The walk ends with a nice hot chocolate at Pasticceria Vigo, famous for exquisite fresh or dry pastries and for the artisanal processing of chocolate, which you can taste as a drink or in chocolate form).

Panoramic route from Masone

The proposed route starts from Masone, reaches the Cappelletta di Masone, the Passo del Turchino, and continues south to Acquasanta. From there, it proceeds to the Colla di Pra and descends to Voltri. For the return, take the Genova-Masone bus line at Piazzale Rosa.

The simple but rather long loop route winds through the forests of the Val Masone before climbing to the ridge, then reaching the summit of Bric del Dente and descending the opposite side while enjoying a spectacular view of Genoa.

There are several rivers named 'Stura' in Piedmont; one of these is the stream tributary of the Orba that originates in Liguria at the Prati di Praglia and then crosses that strip of Piedmontese land which, due to historical quirks, extends into the province of Genoa, almost reaching the sea. The area included in the Capanne di Marcarolo Regional Natural Park is of great naturalistic interest (the rare short-toed snake eagle, a migratory bird of prey that feeds on snakes, nests here). Being a virtually forgotten border area, in the summer months the stream, which has distinctly alpine characteristics, is much frequented, especially in the first stretch upstream of Masone for the small beaches and crystal-clear water pools where it is pleasant to bathe. The more adventurous venture onto seldom-trodden paths leading up to the Manzo Lakes (Lagu du Manzu), where there is also a waterfall, or to the Pignattin, which owes its name to the presence of two natural hollows (pignatte) with small beaches and a real natural swimming pool with depths of several meters. Among the Piedmontese lakes, Pignattin is definitely one of the lesser known ones.

We cross the rugged plateau of the Foscallo and Penello mountains, covered with meager pastures with many rock outcroppings. The traverse is not particularly strenuous and, on clear days, offers vast views. However, one must take into account the often unstable weather conditions with sudden changes due to the strong currents that can often be found on this exposed side of the trail.

A promising rocky summit above ArenzanoSeen from the east, the Bric Dente is a striking mountain peak that really beckons to be climbed as you approach, especially because the bizarre rock scenery of the east face promises a labyrinth of possible ascents. However, we stick to the good and frequent markings and are rewarded for the rocky ascent with a sensational panorama.

Bric del Dente (1,107 m) circular hike with a panoramic stop at the Dente.

Path based on tracks from 132 to 141 actually traveled by the Va' Sentiero team