16 - Tossignano - Carnè

It is perhaps the most unique stage of the entire Alta Via, almost entirely hiking along the crest of the Vena del Gesso.

• Departure: Tossignano (255m)
• Arrival: Carnè (377m)
• Duration: 8 hour/s
• Difficulty Level: EE (for experienced hikers)
• Length: 19.9 km
• Difference in height: Uphill 1,180m - Downhill 1,060m
• Lap no.16 Alta Via dei Parchi

Accommodation: Rifugio Ca' Carné

From the remains of the fortress of Tossignano one first descends to the gorge of Tramosasso, carved by the Rio Sgarba into gypsum, and then goes up to the foot of the layered cliffs of the Riva San Biagio. At the next saddle the path on the ridge begins, on the extraordinary rocky ground made of translucent gypsum crystals, where the sunny walls facing south are in sharp environmental contrast with the shadowy chestnut woods covering the slope that faces the plain. After Mount Casino one meets the broad saddle of Cà Budrio, clearly set on a doline, then one continues along the moderate ups and downs of the ridge, until reaching the church of Sasso Letroso. This overlooks the valley of the river Senio, in front of the giant quarry of Mount Tondo. Once down the road in Borgo Rivola, one touches the lowest point of the entire Alta Via route, by hiking the 98 metres of the walkway on the Senio, then one rises again, touching the tiny village of Crivellari and going up the barren slopes of Mount Volpe. From the summit one follows the ridge to the saddle of Cà Faggia, with beautiful views of the blind valley of the Rio Stella, barred by an imposing series of cliffs. One continues on rocky ground, eventually meeting the road that goes up to the panoramic summit of Mount Mauro which is the highest elevation of the Vena at 515 metres. The ancient parish church of S. Maria in Tiberici, recently renovated, is locat- ed nearby. The last descent of the day is steep and leads to the bottom of the valley of the Sintria stream, then one goes up again, through orchards, vineyards and groves, until reaching the north entrance of Carnè Park, and from there the buildings of the Visitor Center of the same name. The Carnè can also be reached from Brisighella (train station) in about an hour's walk.