The Groppi di Camporaghena and Monte Alto (1904m) represent the most alpine corner of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: a long itinerary with three sections equipped on Monte Alto at the triple border between the provinces of Reggio Emilia, Parma and Massa-Carrara.
How to arrive and approach
The starting point is Succiso Nuovo, a small hamlet of the municipality of Ventasso in the province of Reggio Emilia (RE), reachable along the road that climbs from Busana or from Collagna to the upper valley of the Secchia. Park in the village and take the CAI 653 signpost that leads to the high altitude. The approach takes about 3 hours: the path crosses the Torrente Liocca and goes up towards the plateau of Camporaghena, area of high altitude pastures at the provincial border RE/PR/MS.
The path
From Succiso Nuovo you go up to the 653 signpost, crossing the Torrente Liocca and earning altitude towards the panoramic Groppi di Camporaghena. The three equipped sections are located on the crest of Monte Alto (1904m) and exceed the steepest and rocky sections of the itinerary with about 2h30′ of equipped route (rail level difference: 100m). The landscape has a morphology reminiscent of prealpine areas, with unusual vertical walls for the northern Appennine. The maximum quota is 1904m.
Character and difficulty
A challenging itinerary mainly for the exceptional length (16km, 9 total hours, 1325m of total altitude difference) and the isolation of the environment. The three sections equipped on Monte Alto are never technically extreme but the fatigue accumulated in the 3 hours of approach makes them more significant. The environment of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines at this altitude is wild and far from services. Difficulty: Moderately Difficult. Not suitable for beginners for durability and insulation.
Period and safety
Recommended from June to October. The length requires morning departure to complete the itinerary with daylight (9 hours). The isolation of the path requires bringing water, food and clothing for all weather conditions. In case of bad weather the descent can be complicated. Check snow conditions at altitude in late spring.
Discipline
The descent takes place through the reverse climb, descending from Monte Alto to the Groppi di Camporaghena and then along the 653 signpost to Succiso Nuovo. The total time of the round trip is about 9 hours.
To match
The Monte Alto and the Groppi di Camporaghena are located in a small area of the Apennine reggiano-parmense, suitable for those who love hiking in wild environments and far from the crowd. In the nearby Apuan Alps (Turkish) there are more technical and spectacular ferrate. The Alta Via dei Parchi runs through this area of the northern Apennines.
- DifficultyModerately Hard
- RegionEmilia-Romagna
- GroupAppennino Tosco-Emiliano
- Approach3:00 h
- Ferrata2:30 h
- Itinerary (a/r)9:00 h
- Hardware level difference100 m
- Route difference1325 m
- Max1904 m
- Length16 Km






































































































































































































































































































































































