Autumn is the season of chestnuts, an ancient and distinctive fruit of our region, so much so that the economy of the Emilian Apennines has relied on this precious gift of the forest for centuries. The fruit chestnut, introduced by the Romans from Asia Minor, represented until the second post-war period a crucial resource for the survival of the Apennine communities during the winters, when cereals and meat were less accessible.
In recent years, the chestnut tree has returned to the spotlight, rediscovered by both growers and consumers, also acquiring a certain tourist charm. In our Apennines, the most common varieties of chestnut include Biancherina, Carrarese, Ceppa, Loiola, Mascherina, Molana, Pastinese, Pistolese, Rossola, and Salvano.
The chestnut harvest begins in October and extends until the end of November. In Borgo Val di Taro, it is possible to embark on an excursion of about two hours that takes us through centuries-old chestnut woods, rivulets and streams, springs and peat bogs that are the lifeblood of ancient forests, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the primordial enchantment of nature.
The itinerary starts from Borgo Val di Taro, following the indications of the CAI number 833D and 833, directed towards Borgotaro ai Vighini. From Borgotaro station, take the provincial road of Passo del Bratello, along the top of the large embankment, then turn left on a small road that climbs towards Grifola. From here, follow the municipal road until you reach Vighini, approaching the Torbiera dell’Orsaresso. The route, now immersed in the forest (marked CAI 833 D), runs along an old chestnut grove, crosses the Rio dei Vighini and the Rio di Cravile, and then reaches the parking area of Prato dell’Orsaresso.
The path continues, and after fording the Rio Orsaresso, you arrive at the Piana della Ghierma, along the fir tree and crossing another peat bog, the Prato Zuccone, and the Rio del Burallo. A detour of the route leads to the ridge, where we will meet the Via degli Antichi Passi. Following the 833D to the left, the descent begins, crossing the Rio Burallo again. After crossing several streams, the path reaches the farms of Pian del Lago, 770 meters high, and from here (following the CAI 833) returns to the Comunalia, reaching the northern part of the Prato di Orsaresso. From there, the trail continues to the Carlineti, just below the starting point, thus completing an excursion that is a tribute to the simple beauty of the Apennines.