In the mountains

Route of the two valleys

An itinerary designed for bicycle touring, winding through lush forests, historic villages, and the scenic landscapes of the Tuscan–Emilian Apennines.

This cycle touring route offers full immersion along the high ridge of the Tuscan–Emilian Apennines, in pristine environments rich in biodiversity between the Reno and Limentra valleys. It is ideal for mountain-bike and gravel-bike enthusiasts, for horseback trekking, and—when there is snow—for fat biking and snow walking. The route provides a complete experience of sport and nature. It starts from the Pracchia railway station, which is easily reachable by train…

Pistoia, Sambuca Pistoiese

The Water Trail: from Ponte della Venturina to Pracchia

An itinerary along the Reno River and the historic Porrettana Railway, from Ponte della Venturina to Pracchia, inspired by the theme of water.

This itinerary follows Trail 169, which runs along the banks of the Reno River and beside the historic Porrettana Railway, linking Ponte della Venturina to Pracchia and connecting the provinces of Bologna and Pistoia. Starting from the Ponte della Venturina railway station, the northern end of Trail 169, a short walk leads to the Strada Statale before crossing the bridge over the Reno River, the point marking the border between…

Sambuca Pistoiese

On the tracks of history

A medium-difficulty route along the original track of the former Alto Pistoiese Railway, an old disused railway line, now perfect for cycling.

This cycling itinerary follows the ancient route of the Alto Pistoiese Railway, which operated from 1926 to 1956, once connecting the Pistoia Mountains to the Porrettana Railway. The route is of medium difficulty, featuring a steady but never too demanding elevation gain—perfect for those who love to explore nature without tackling extreme climbs. Our journey begins with a comfortable train ride to Pracchia, where we hop on our bikes and…

Cycling through forests and breathtaking views in Marliana

A medium-difficulty itinerary, mostly on dirt roads, perfect for those who want to explore the Marliana area on two wheels.

Where the Valdinievole meets the Pistoia Mountains, you'll find Marliana, a territory stretching from the valleys of the Vincio and Nievole rivers to the foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This is a perfect destination for mountain bike enthusiasts, offering scenic routes immersed in nature, safe and reserved roads, and postcard-perfect landscapes at every turn. The journey begins by crossing the Montagnana forest, where you can admire the ancient medieval walls…

Marliana

Between San Marcello and Piteglio: a classic route in the Pistoia Mountains

A medium-difficulty road itinerary, perfect for discovering the villages of Piteglio and Gavinana, designed for those who love cycling through mountain landscapes and uncovering local history.

This road route, highly appreciated by local cyclists, offers a slightly extended version of the classic Pistoia Mountains itinerary. The journey begins in San Marcello Pistoiese, heading initially toward La Lima. After about 2 km, turn left following the signs for Prunetta, where the famous Prunetta climb begins. However, the route deviates before completing the ascent, turning at the village of Migliorini toward Piteglio. In this picturesque village, you’ll find…

San Marcello Piteglio

A dive into green: the Sammommè loop

This scenic loop, of moderate difficulty, starts from Sammommè and takes riders through some stunning areas of the Montagna Pistoiese.

The route begins in the main square of Sammommè, climbing toward Pian di Giuliano, where cyclists will find the first fountain to refill their water bottles. The ascent continues on a paved road before turning left onto a dirt path that climbs to the Passo dell’Incisa. This section passes through dense chestnut and beech woods, offering a peaceful immersion in nature. From the pass, the trail transitions into a single…

Pistoia

Abetone loop: sport and culture

A medium-difficulty cycling route that takes you to the main museums of the Pistoia Mountains, starting and ending in Abetone.

The ride begins at the Abetone Pass, situated at an altitude of 1,388 meters. Starting from the parking area in front of the Town Hall, you take Viale Regina Margherita, an unpaved road that leads through the ski slopes of Selletta and Chierroni and a stunning forest of fir trees. After crossing SP20 near Lago Baccioli (an artificial lake used for programmed snowmaking), you proceed along the Sentiero delle Sentinelle.…

Abetone Cutigliano

Between poets and brigands: a bicycle excursion to Lake Scaffaiolo

A Medium-Difficulty MTB Route with an optional cable car shortcut from Cutigliano to Doganaccia.

Cutigliano, a charming medieval village with very ancient roots, welcomes visitors with its historical allure. At the center of its past political life stands the Palazzo dei Capitani della Montagna, adorned on its façade with heraldic coats of arms left by the Captains as a memento of their service. The route to Lake Scaffaiolo can be approached in two ways: by taking the cable car connecting Cutigliano to Doganaccia, saving…

At the Borders of the Grand Duchy: A Journey Through History and Nature

A Challenging Route to Cycle Through History, Along Trails, Bridges, and Rocks Bearing the Marks of Centuries Past.

The Pistoiese Mountain, once the northern boundary of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, was for centuries a vital resource thanks to its forests and water springs. However, this territory was also the scene of conflicts with the Duchy of Lucca and a place of exile for bandits and political dissenters. By bicycle, we can retrace some parts of this fascinating history, cycling along trails, bridges, and rocks that preserve the…

Abetone Cutigliano, San Marcello Piteglio

Immersion in the Biogenetic Forest of Pian degli Ontani

A medium-difficulty cycling route, suitable for MTB and gravel bikes, through a captivating forest reserve that will enchant you.

The Pian degli Ontani Biogenetic Nature Reserve is one of the most enchanting places in the Pistoiese Mountains. Spanning approximately 500 hectares, it is managed by the State Forestry Corps. Located within the Sestaione stream basin, it is bordered by a ridge featuring expansive meadows and pastures, with peaks such as Poggione (1761 m), Pizzo Alpestre (1743 m), and Monte Uccelliera (1656 m) rising above. The trail starts from the…

Abetone Cutigliano

Cycling from Cutigliano to Abetone

A true immersion in the lush nature of the Pistoia Mountains. A challenging itinerary that begins with a ride on the cable car.

The itinerary begins at Doganaccia, at an altitude of 1,545 meters. To gain approximately 800 meters of elevation, you can take the Cutigliano-Doganaccia cable car, which in eight minutes will bring you to the starting point. Here, at the bike rental, there’s a small service point where you can check tyre pressure and refill your water before starting your scenic ride. The route starts with a descent on part of…

Abetone Cutigliano

Cycling from the Apennines to Pistoia

In treno fino a Pracchia, per raggiungere il cuore dell’Appennino Pistoiese e pedalare tra panoramici e rilassanti scorci naturali.

An itinerary that begins by train, gaining all the elevation that will later be lost during the ride. It covers 20 pleasant kilometres, taking us from the Reno Valley to the Ombrone Valley, the two main rivers of the province, which flow in opposite directions—one towards the Adriatic and the other towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. The route moves from the wooded Apennines to hills covered with olive groves and dotted…

Pistoia

San Marcello Pistoiese and the enchanted Forest

A trail to ride by bike or e-bike to immerse yourself in the lush and refreshing nature of the Teso Forest.

Starting from San Marcello Pistoiese, just a few steps below the square, we take the old F.A.P. road, the Ferrovia Alto Pistoiese, a narrow-gauge railway with a reduced distance between the rails compared to standard gauge. The term "narrow gauge" also became part of the local dialect, often referring to reluctant behaviour. The F.A.P. was in operation until 1965, and the train used to reach the starting point of our…

San Marcello Piteglio

Stone trail – Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese

Stonemasons for centuries have worked the stone of the Pistoia Mountains. This itinerary will lead you to the discovery of an ancient medieval settlement.

The Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese is a series of six routes in the open air, museums, teaching hubs and historical artefacts whose purpose is to introduce us to the Montagna Pistoiese area through signs which the relationship between humans and the environment has left over centuries of history. The Stone trail is a route backwards in time. Visitors will find themselves walking along the centenary path of the Via Francesca della Sambuca…

Sambuca Pistoiese

Daily life trail – Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese

The ancient crafts and the daily life of the inhabitants of the Pistoia Mountains over the centuries, in this itinerary between past and present.

The Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese is a series of six routes in the open air, museums, teaching hubs and historical artefacts whose purpose is to introduce us to the Montagna Pistoiese area through signs which the relationship between humans and the environment has left over centuries of history. This trail allows for a comparison between contemporary everyday life and that of our ancestors, highlighting how, over just a few decades, the relationship…

Abetone Cutigliano, Pistoia

Sacred Art trail- Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese

A journey into the sacred art and popular religiosity of the Pistoia Mountains. An opportunity to discover the hamlet of Popiglio.

The Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese is a series of six routes in the open air, museums, teaching hubs and historical artefacts whose purpose is to introduce us to the Montagna Pistoiese area through signs which the relationship between humans and the environment has left over centuries of history. The Sacred Art Trail is centred around the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, in the hamlet of Popiglio, a small fraction of San…

San Marcello Piteglio