Between poets and brigands: a bicycle excursion to Lake Scaffaiolo

Through the Woods and Crest Paths of Doganaccia

Home / itinerari / Between poets and brigands: a bicycle excursion to Lake Scaffaiolo

routes

In the mountains

length

21.5 Km

Difference in altitude

1214 m (425 m with cable car)

Means of transport

MTB

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 energy (and battery for those using e-bikes) while avoiding a positive elevation gain of 800 meters; or by pedalling up a 10 km climb through fresh, changing vegetation, passing through forests of acacia, chestnut, fir, and beech trees.

Once at Doganaccia, you can choose to continue along a 2.5 km dirt road leading to Croce Arcana or take trail no. 6, which is easier to ride and offers a stunning view of the ski area.

At Croce Arcana, it is a must to stop for a photo at the Memorial dedicated to the victims of the Second World War. From here, take the crest path trail no. 00, which leads to Lake Scaffaiolo, a lake also mentioned by Giovanni Boccaccio. This territory, once inhabited by poets and brigands, was often traversed by salt smugglers who used the highlands for their illicit trade.

As the trail begins climbing toward Monte Spigolino, the most technical part of the route begins, featuring a stepped section that requires careful attention. After passing Passo della Calanca, only 800 meters remain to the destination, with one last climb gaining the final 50 meters of elevation.

Once you’ve admired the captivating scenery of Lake Scaffaiolo, return along the same path back to Passo della Calanca. From here, you can descend toward Doganaccia along trail no. 66, taking care on the steeper sections and watching out for pedestrians.

Returning to Doganaccia, just as on the way up, you can choose whether to descend via the cable car or ride your bike along the dirt road.

Itinerary by Leonardo Corsini

Photo credit: Doganaccia 2000 Facebook

Stages Itinerary

Abetone Cutigliano

stage 1

Abetone Cutigliano

Surrounded by a large fir forest, Abetone is located on the Abetone pass at the border between Tuscany and Emilia. It is the most important winter-sports resort in central Italy and recognized worldwide for its beauty and variety of its slopes. The area is divided into four valleys: the Scoltenna, Sestaione, and the Lima Valleys plus the Val di Luce. With its narrow streets lined by ancient palaces and monuments, Cutigliano still retains ample traces of its medieval past. A popular as winter holiday resort with the Doganaccia ski resort, while, in, Cutigliano offers summertime choices of nearby walks and excursions to Lake Scaffaiolo, Melo, Pianosinatico, Pian di Novello, and Val del Sestaione.

Doganaccia 2000

Abetone Cutigliano

stage 2

Doganaccia 2000

On the Croce Arcana slopes, in the town of Abetone Cutigliano, Doganaccia 2000 offers you enjoyable outdoor activities all the year round in the splendid setting of the Pistoia Mountains.

Scaffaiolo Lake

stage 3

Scaffaiolo Lake

The Scaffaiolo Lake is a mountain lake located in the municipality of Fanano, in the province of Modena, nestled in the upper Modenese Apennines. Its location and characteristics make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The name "Scaffaiolo" is believed to derive from the Lombard word scaffa, which translates as "hollow in the ground" or "depression." This name reflects the area's geomorphological features that shape the lake’s surroundings—an area characterized by gentle depressions and mountain ridges.