Chestnut Trail

The itinerary of the Chestnut Trail starts from the center of Montà d'Alba, in Vittorio Veneto Square, where it is possible to park the car. From here, you take Via Cavour and Via Roma, leading to the pedestrian historic center of the hilltop village of Montà, where you can admire the bell tower and the square of the old Parish with the church of S. Antonio Abate. From here, you continue on Via Morra, flanking the 16th-century Morra Lavriano castle and reach the 'Centro Outdoor Valle delle Rocche,' an area for organized sports activities. After passing the Outdoor Center, you can enter the true nature trail on the right, following the signposts along the entire loop. Here the Trail crosses numerous vineyards and orchards opening into a panoramic valley dominated by the Pilone of San Bartolomeo. Some Rocche ridges begin to stand out beside the Trail, you immerse yourself in the shade and cool of a descent winding through chestnuts and oaks and arrive in the wetland area of the biotope, an artificial pond resting place for many bird species and a paradise for many amphibian species: the left side of the lake is skirted, where it is possible to stop quietly in the camouflaged wooden hide for bird observation. The Chestnut Trail reaches here its most adventurous section: it winds through the wet valley and after ups and downs immersed in dense woods with steep Rocche on the side, it gradually climbs towards the so-called Via Lunga (which coincides with a section of the S1 trail). The detour to the San Nicolao Oasis is crossed, which can be taken as a round trip to the votive pillar dedicated to the Saint on a panoramic hill in the heart of the Rocche. You return towards Montà along a ridge path where numerous Scots pines soar, and you reach the Bric Torniola, an area dominated by the most impressive chestnut specimens known for their production of 'della Madonna' chestnuts, which ripen early. From here, you return to the old Parish and to the historic center of Montà.