Lunigiana trail

WHAT THE LUNIGIANA TRAIL IS: The LT is a stage route to be tackled in bikepacking style, suitable for MTBs and E-MTBs that travels in a circular (clockwise) fashion throughout the Lunigiana region.

DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL: The most suitable starting points are Pontremoli or Aulla, both are easily accessible by Highway A15 and by train with Parma-La Spezia line, however, being a circular itinerary everyone will be able to start wherever they prefer.

THE ROUTE: The LT keeps to the highest altitudes of the Lunigiana territory where nature is still intact and rich in forests, ridges and high altitude pastures. In the northern part of the territory you will pedal at the foot of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in a continuous crossing of valleys, streams and medieval villages; having reached the southernmost part, it will be the Apuan Alps that will make you toil, with the profile of their sharp peaks that will accompany you until you reach the Ligurian Apennines and its gentle ridge all pedalable that divides Tuscany from Liguria and from which you will be able to admire airy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of La Spezia, so this will be the scenery you will encounter, in a 230 km long adventure that will take you to discover this beautiful and unexpected corner of Tuscany.

DIFFICULTY: The LT measures 230 km x 6700 D+. It is mostly on dirt roads with a smooth surface, but there will be no shortage of rougher ground and parts of trail. There are no backpacking bike sections but only a few short technical sections that might force you to push the bike for no more than 100 mt. Where it was not possible to use dirt roads suitable for Trail, you will find asphalt with low vehicular traffic. There are no trail markers on the route, so it is necessary to download the GPX track.

WHERE TO SLEEP: On the LT trail there are numerous accommodations, from the cheapest Hostels to Agriturismi, from B&Bs to Hotels, (see waypoints with their phone numbers) and being evenly distributed along the entire route, everyone will be able to plan the stages according to their needs. Also for those who would like to tackle the LT in total self-sufficiency with a tent, we have indicated in the trail some rest areas with relative water points (see waypoints with NOTES for water supply) that we think are more suitable for bivouac, however, you will find many other places where you can stop at your leisure without particular problems.

NOTE FOR E-BIKES: the LT lends itself to being tackled by E-Bike. As already mentioned under DIFFICULTIES, there are no backpacking bike sections but only a few short technical sections that may require you to push the bike for no more than 100 mt (intended as walking with bike at your side). For battery charging, you will have to rely on the accommodation facilities, all of which are equipped with mains electricity with a domestic outlet; however, you will need to bring your own battery charger as they do not have specific universal charging stations. All of the accommodations listed in the trail, (except B&Bs), also offer lunchtime food service, so take advantage of charging your battery while you eat your meal.

WATER / FOOD: You will find several water fountains along the trail and you are sure to find one in every town you pass through, if you are in trouble ask some locals who will be happy to point you to one. You can find groceries and refreshments in the most important centers.

TRAIN + BICYCLES: the F.S. Stations of Pontremoli, Aulla, Equi Terme and Monzone are daily connected by Regional Trains with bike transport service. Thanks to this service, you can interrupt the stages at your leisure and return by train to your starting point. For info see: www.trenitalia.com

BIKE ASSISTANCE AND RENTAL SERVICE:

• VILLAFRANCA L : Due Ruote store and assistance tel. 0187 495541 335 223917
• AULLA: Biciclo store and assistance tel. 0187 408020
• FILATTIERA: Sigeric rental services tel. 333 6502210
• FIVIZZANO: AlterEco rental services tel. 338 5814482

More information here.