Beautiful circuit around the Ridracoli reservoir in the Casentinesi Forests National Park, through ancient silver fir and beech forests that once sheltered Saint Francis of Assisi during his travels.
The Lago di Ridracoli Circuit follows the shore of the Ridracoli reservoir deep within the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna, in the territory of Bagno di Romagna in Forlì-Cesena province, Emilia Romagna. The walk covers roughly 9 kilometres with about 250 metres of cumulative gain over around three hours, an easy route that suits families and casual walkers while still offering genuine wilderness scenery. The trailhead is at the dam and the Idro Ecomuseo delle Acque visitor centre above Ridracoli, reached by car from the spa town of Bagno di Romagna in around 40 minutes on winding valley roads, with parking near the visitor centre. No permit is required to walk the lakeside paths, though access to the far shore is sometimes via a seasonal electric boat service that crosses the reservoir. The trail runs through some of the oldest and best-preserved silver fir and beech forest in Italy, woodland once frequented by Saint Francis of Assisi and now protected within the national park. Surfaces are mostly well-graded forest dirt and stone-set path, shaded for much of the route by the dense canopy, with gentle undulation rather than sustained climbing. The turquoise reservoir, held back by the tall arched Ridracoli dam, is the visual centrepiece, and the circuit passes quiet inlets, footbridges over feeder streams, and viewpoints over the water. The forest shelters red and roe deer, wild boar, and birds of prey including eagles, and the deep woods are strikingly atmospheric in autumn mist. Mountain streams provide water along parts of the route, but hikers should still carry their own supply, and the historic dam and visitor centre offer the main facilities and orientation points; the boat landing on the far shore is a natural turn-around for those not completing the full loop. Because the higher woodland holds snow and mud in winter and early spring, the realistic walking season runs from late spring through autumn. Waymarking follows the national park and CAI signage. With its combination of an unusual turquoise mountain lake, ancient protected forest, and abundant wildlife, all on gentle and largely shaded terrain, the Ridracoli circuit is among the most accessible and rewarding nature walks in the Romagna Apennines, and pairs naturally with a visit to the dam and the water ecomuseum.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Bagno di Romagna, Forlì-Cesena province
- Best season
- Late April to late October
Highlights
- Turquoise mountain lake views
- Ancient silver fir forest (one of the oldest in Italy)
- Wildlife including deer, wild boar, and eagles
- Historic dam and visitor center
Tips for visiting
- Check the seasonal electric boat schedule at the Idro Ecomuseo before setting out, as the crossing can shorten the loop or open access to the far shore.
- Visit in autumn for atmospheric mist and forest colour, or late spring for flowing streams and active wildlife.
- Bring binoculars and walk quietly to improve chances of spotting deer, wild boar, or eagles in the ancient forest.
- Carry your own water despite the mountain streams, and wear sturdy shoes for the stone-set and occasionally muddy forest path.
- Combine the walk with a tour of the Ridracoli dam and the water ecomuseum, which explains the reservoir and the national park.
When to visit
Late spring through autumn offers the best conditions, with autumn bringing misty forests and golden foliage around the reservoir. Mornings are quietest and best for wildlife, and the seasonal boat service is most reliable in the warmer months.
Accessibility
The lakeside circuit is not fully wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Although gentler than the region's mountain trails, it follows natural forest dirt and stone-set paths with undulating sections and around 250 metres of gain, and no surfaced route runs the full loop.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ridracoli circuit suitable for families?
Yes. At around 9 kilometres with only 250 metres of gain on gentle, largely shaded forest paths, it is an easy walk well suited to families and casual hikers.
What is special about the forest here?
The circuit passes through some of Italy's oldest silver fir and beech woodland, protected within the Casentinesi Forests National Park and historically associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, sheltering deer, wild boar, and eagles.
Is there a boat across the lake?
A seasonal electric boat service crosses the Ridracoli reservoir from near the dam, which can shorten the circuit or provide access to the far shore. Schedules are seasonal, so check at the visitor centre before relying on it.
When can I hike the circuit?
Late spring through autumn is best, once snow and mud have cleared from the higher woodland. Autumn is especially scenic, with mist and forest colour around the turquoise lake.