Unione dei Comuni Valli Taro e Ceno
The loop starts from the Valico di Sant'Antonio (650 m) immersed in the silence of wide spaces that disappear into the panorama of the Po Valley seen from above to reach the peaks of Monte Canate and Pietra Nera.
The area is affected by typical geological outcrops of the zone whose origin is linked to the opening and subsequent disappearance (about 90 million years ago) of an ocean that divided the paleo-African and paleo-European continents. A typical example of the result of this phenomenon can be observed near Monte Canate characterized by suggestive light and dark layers of calcareous marl, called Flysch of M. Cassio from the Upper Cretaceous (about 70 to 65 million years ago).
Continuing along a ridge protected by shadow, we reach Monte Pietra Nera where we can observe the other typical geological type of the Val Ceno: the oleophitic rocks of magmatic origin, jewels of the Parma-Piacenza Apennines because they are quite rare at the regional level.
Monte Pietra Nera, with its harsh and dark charm, is covered by few plants mostly composed of wild pear, juniper, and mountain ash, but colorful summer blooms enliven the landscape.
Author’s recommendation
At the Valico di S.Antonio there is the Oratory of S.Antonio, a rustic little church from the 16th century. It served as a shelter for plague victims in the 1800s and as a refuge during the Second World War for fighters; it is now reopened for worship.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Remember to carefully evaluate the type of route you are taking, the localities you plan to cross, and the current season. Has it rained? Be careful! The trails will be more slippery and so you need to be more cautious.
Always let someone know where you are headed and how long you expect your hike to last.
The emergency phone number is 112.
Local entities and associations present in the interested territories assume no legal responsibility for any damage or accidents to people and things that may occur along the marked routes.
RESPECT THE TERRITORY:
- do not throw tissues, cans, glass or plastic bottles, candy wrappers, or cigarette butts and packets on the ground.
- take your waste home or wait until you find a bin.
- respect flora, fauna, and crops; do not pick wild fruits or plants as they may have been treated with pesticides.
- report any disorder or unusual behavior to the town hall.
Tips and suggestions
UNION OF THE MUNICIPALITIES VALLI TARO E CENO
Tel. +39 0525 921811
segreteria@unionetaroceno.pr.it
Roadbook
Monte Canate
Monte Pietra Nera
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
BUS
Tep Line 2210 from Fidenza Foro Boario, Pellegrino Parmense, Salsomaggiore Station
Directions
CAR
Exit Fornovo | A15 autostrada della Cisa | Parma-La Spezia
Exit Borgotaro | A15 autostrada della Cisa | Parma-La Spezia
Exit Fidenza - Salsomaggiore T. | A1 autostrada del Sole | Milano-Napoli
Exit Fiorenzuola | A1 autostrada del Sole | Milano-Napoli
TRAIN
Salsomaggiore Terme Station (PR)
Fornovo di Taro Station (PR)
At the station it is possible to use buses and shuttle services to reach your destination, so by train, Pellegrino Parmense is connected to all the main Italian cities.
Parking
At the locality Valico di Sant'anotnio - Strada Provinciale 359 R, Str. Salsomaggiore, Pellegrino Parmense PRCoordinates
Equipment
Hiking requires specific clothing and equipment. Even for relatively short and easy outings, it is always better to be well equipped to avoid unpleasant surprises and to face unexpected events such as a sudden storm or a drop in energy: even the unexpected is part of the fun!
What to take on a hike:
- appropriate footwear
- adequate water supply according to your needs (from 1 to 2 liters depending on temperature, availability of refill, duration of the route)
- snacks (for example, dried fruit or bars)
- windproof and rainproof jacket
- spare shirt and socks
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- gloves and hat in winter months
- GPX track loaded on your phone
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions