From Torriglia to Monte Antola – Parco Regionale Naturale dell'Antola

Embark on a challenging jogging route from Torriglia to Monte Antola, a difficult 10.5-mile (16.8 km) journey with a significant 3088 feet (941 metres) of elevation gain. You will start on cobbled mule tracks alongside a stream, transitioning to dirt roads and forest paths through dense woodlands of chestnut, oak, and beech. As you ascend, the terrain opens up to grassy ridges, leading to the summit of Monte Antola, where a distinctive large white cross marks the peak. This route typically takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete, offering varied scenery and a rewarding workout.

Planning your visit requires good to very good fitness and sure-footedness due to the steep ramps and undulating sections. The trail is also used by horses and cows, so expect potentially muddy sections, especially in damp conditions. While the research doesn't specify trailhead access or parking details, be prepared for a substantial ascent to the 1597-meter peak. Near the summit, at 1460 meters, you will find the Rifugio Parco Antola, a mountain hut managed by the Club Alpino Italiano, which offers accommodation if you plan an overnight stay.

This trail is a segment of the ancient Via del Sale, or Salt Road, a historic route once used for transporting goods between the coast and inland regions. As you gain elevation, you will be treated to panoramic views across the Apennine mountains, including the artificial Lago del Brugneto. On clear days from Monte Antola's summit, you can see the Ligurian coast, the Mediterranean Sea, and even snow-capped peaks of the north-western Alps like Monviso and Monte Bianco. The Antola Natural Regional Park is rich in biodiversity, offering a chance to spot wild boar, roe deer, fallow deer, and wolves.