From Bivio 379-381 to Sella delle Piode Nere (via Trail 379)

While the tour is named for Sella delle Piode Nere, it's crucial to know that the path from Alpe Piano d'Ales to Sella delle Piode Nere is abandoned and no longer signaled, with the trail having entirely disappeared. Hikers should plan their route only to Alpe Piano d'Ales, which offers a panoramic position and is the practical endpoint for this marked trail.

The section of Trail 379 up to Alpe Piano d'Ales, which is the viable and marked portion, has an estimated travel time of 2 hours for the ascent. The full route as described in the tour title would be significantly longer if it were passable.

The section of Trail 379 leading up to Alpe Piano d'Ales is considered without difficulty. However, the overall Komoot tour, which originally intended to reach Sella delle Piode Nere, is classified as 'difficult' due to the unmaintained and impassable final segment. Focus on the manageable portion to Alpe Piano d'Ales.

The starting point for this hike is the Bivio (junction) at 1030 meters, which is reached by first heading from Cunaccia di Fervento. You'll initially follow a short carriage road towards Rimasco, then cross the Sermenza stream and ascend along itinerary 381 to the bivio.

The trail offers varied terrain. You'll pass through a beautiful fir forest, then emerge into the open meadows of Alpe Pian dei Ceri. Further along, you'll encounter extensive pastures around Alpe Oraccio di Sotto and Alpe Oraccio in Cima, and a shrubland rich in blueberries, rhododendrons, alders, and raspberries.

Yes, the trail features several picturesque alpine pastures. You'll pass Alpe Pian dei Ceri, Alpe Oraccio di Sotto (with well-preserved huts), and Alpe Oraccio in Cima. The final practical destination, Alpe Piano d'Ales at 1765 meters, boasts a particularly panoramic position.

Given the alpine scenery, including fir forests, meadows, and shrubland with blueberries and rhododendrons, the best time to hike is typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months when the path is clear of snow and the flora is vibrant. Always check local conditions before heading out.

While there's no specific restriction mentioned, alpine trails in this region are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially when passing through active alpine pastures (alpeggi) like Alpe Oraccio, to protect livestock and wildlife.

There is no information suggesting that permits or entrance fees are required to hike Trail 379 up to Alpe Piano d'Ales. This is a public trail in the Valsesia region.

The starting point is accessed from Cunaccia di Fervento. Hikers typically find parking in or near this village before proceeding towards the initial carriage road that leads to the Sermenza stream crossing and the start of the ascent.

While the trail passes through active alpine pastures with huts (like Alpe Oraccio di Sotto), these are typically for herders and not commercial amenities. For cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would need to look in nearby villages such as Cunaccia di Fervento or other settlements in the Valsesia area.