Recent and technical, the Ferrata del Monte Contrario dates back to the southern wall of the homonymous summit until near the Passo delle Pecore: it is the technically more difficult ferrata of the Apuan Alps, inserted in a long and tiring itinerary both uphill and returning.

Starting from the locality Biforco, near Forno: from the toll of Massa (A12) you go up the Via Bassa Tambura; in Biforco l' asphalt ends in front of a bar, where the marble road begins. Open road signs on Google Maps. From Biforco take uphill the paths CAI 167-168 along the Canal Fondone; after about a kilometer take the CAI 167 towards the Valley of the Hotels. The path climbs steep under l' imposing south wall; passed an abandoned building (former cave workers' dwelling) continues on track, omits and wooden poles until all' attack, after a last tiring tear (2h from the parking lot).

The ferrata starts on a long slanted slab, to be climbed into the grip using natural hooks and, where it serves, the chain, up to a small terrace where the cable ends momentarily. The second section increases slope and exposure along the approximately 400 meters of altitude difference: in the lower part there are good natural sticks, while in the upper part the rock becomes smoother and, in the absence of good climbing skills, are comfortable some artificial hooks. The last walls rise and the street ends after a paramassive network (2h 30' from the attack, 4h 30' from the parking lot).

It is the most difficult from the technical point of view among the Apuan ferrates: the level is not prohibitive uphill, but rock and exposure impose caution. To be faced with caution in the summer months: the not high altitude and exposure to the south can make the climb very warm.

Better than half seasons or days does not towers. Stable time indispensable given the steepness of the return paths.

At the end of the ferrata turn left towards Grondilice. Recommended option: in about 20' you reach the Sella dei Pradacetti, from which a steep and exposed path descends in about 2h 30' to the Valley of the Hotels and, along the CAI 167, back to Biforco (3h 45' from the end of the ferrata, about 8h 30' total). The second option (CAI 186 at Grondilice Window, Rasor Foce and CAI 168 along the Fondone Canal) is currently not recommended and closed by order.

The length of the itinerary precludes concatenaments in the day. A valid option is to stay at the Orto refuges of Donna or Donegani and to face another excursion the following day.