Lovely autumn hike to Lago della Nava in Alta Val Trebbia, starting from Vallescura.
We enjoyed the hike in itself because the path winds its way through a beautiful beech forest whose leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn.
Also, for mushroom lovers, the area is rich in drumsticks.
On the other hand, the lake was little more than a puddle of water, so autumn is certainly not the best time to see it in its full extent.
Lake Nava, Vallescura: route
Vallescura is a small hamlet in the municipality of Fontanigorda, where we had already been on the excursion to Monte Gifarco and Bosco delle Fate.
It is situated at an altitude of 957 metres and has a few pretty houses and no shops.
Once you arrive in the village, you drive past the small town and park freely by the roadside.
There is no signpost or marker indicating the path but, once you find the starting point (we asked some locals), there are never any forks so you cannot go wrong.
The trail is 1.5 kilometres long (one way) with a difference in altitude of about 200 metres.
Along the way, there are small rivulets of water that cross the path, which, apart from a little mud, is easily navigable by the whole family.
In about half an hour to forty minutes, you arrive at a small chain, placed as a barrier to the path, and finally at the grassy basin that houses the Nava Lake, at an altitude of 1169 metres.
Lake Nava
Lago della Nava is a small lake of glacial origin that plays an important role as a wetland for wildlife.
A village lady told us that, a few years ago, the pond was overgrown with weeds and almost disappeared.
Then, a neighbour cleaned it up with a lot of goodwill, restoring the stretch of water.
When we went there was little water but we enjoyed the tranquillity of the place and, having packed our lunch, we spread our towels and had a picnic on the lawn.
For the return journey, you go down the outward path which takes you back to the car in about 20/25 minutes.
Useful information
To see the lake full, the right season might be early spring.
To take a walk admiring the autumn colours or in search of mushrooms, then October is perfect.
We would like to remind you that in order to pick mushrooms within the Antola Regional Natural Park, you need a pass.
Shortly after the start, you will find a small fountain with drinking water on the right-hand side of the path.
How to get to Vallescura
To get to Vallescura from Genoa, take the SS45 in the direction of Torriglia.
Once you arrive at the crossroads indicating the village of Torriglia, you ignore it and continue straight on in the direction of Montebruno.
You pass Montebruno and Canale, finally arriving at Vallescura in about 1h 15 minutes from the start.
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