The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Lucca

Lucca and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking opportunities. You'll find over 100 routes specifically curated for you and your canine companion, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents.

Yes, there are plenty of easy dog-friendly options. The Lucca Plain offers gentle paths like the one along the Acquedotto Nottolini, perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog. For a unique experience, the 4.3 km loop trail atop Lucca's historic city walls is also very accessible and offers panoramic views, though dogs should be kept on a leash.

For breathtaking views, consider trails in Monte Pisano, such as those leading up Monte Serra, where you can often see both Lucca and Pisa, and even the sea on clear days. The Apuan Alps also offer dramatic vistas, with routes like the Monte Forato Natural Arch loop providing spectacular mountain scenery.

Many of the dog-friendly trails around Lucca are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Monte Nona Loop Trail from Stazzema is a challenging circular option in the Apuan Alps, while the Statue of Leopold II loop from Pietrasanta offers a moderate circular hike.

The region boasts diverse natural beauty. In the Apuan Alps, you can discover impressive geological formations like the Monte Forato Natural Arch. The Garfagnana region offers extensive chestnut forests and quieter paths. For a dramatic experience, the Orrido di Botri is a limestone gorge worth exploring, though check specific dog access rules for sensitive areas.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails around Lucca, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9,800 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to dramatic mountains, and the well-maintained paths that make hiking with dogs enjoyable.

Yes, the Serchio River, easily accessible from Lucca, offers flat and peaceful paths where your dog can enjoy the water. Additionally, some trails in the Apuan Alps, such as those near the Candalla Waterfalls, might offer opportunities for your dog to cool down, but always ensure safety and check local regulations.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for hiking with dogs in Lucca. The temperatures are milder, and the landscapes are particularly beautiful. In summer, consider higher altitude trails in the Apuan Alps like those around Monte Matanna to escape the heat, or stick to shaded forest paths and early morning/late afternoon walks.

Absolutely. The Apuan Alps to the north of Lucca provide challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Routes like the Procinto Rock loop from Mulina or the Monte Nona Loop Trail are considered difficult and require good fitness and sure-footedness for both you and your dog.

To avoid crowds, especially during peak season, consider exploring the Garfagnana region. Its extensive chestnut forests and less touristy paths offer a quieter experience. Also, opting for trails in the Pistoiese Apennines, known for their deep forests and open ridges, can provide a more secluded adventure with your dog.

Yes, the wider Lucca area is rich with history. Portions of the ancient pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena, pass through the region, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. You might also encounter ancient Romanesque churches and monumental villas along various paths. For example, the San Martino Church is a notable religious building in the area.