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Monte Cusna
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Monte Cusna rises to 2121 meters, making it the second-highest peak in the Northern Apennines and the tallest in the province of Reggio Emilia. Its distinctive profile, which resembles a reclining human figure, has earned it the nicknames 'Il Gigante' (The Giant) and 'L'Uomo Morto' (The Dead Man). The massif is predominantly composed of sandstone and towers over the Secchia and Enza river valleys. As part of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, it features expansive alpine meadows and rugged rocky slopes. Historically, the mountain was a key transit route for shepherds and traders moving between the Po Valley and Tuscany. Today, it is a premier destination for hiking and mountaineering, with several trails leading to its broad summit plateau. The mountain's ecological value is high, hosting rare high-altitude flora and providing nesting sites for golden eagles.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Museo Parco Appennino Tosco Emiliano · Abetina Reale, Alta Val Dolo · Alpe di Vallestrina
- Nearby: Carrara (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 57 | 56 | 54 | 60 | 49 | 39 | 39 | 59 | 78 | 89 | 53 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The mountain is usually reached from Villa Minozzo or Civago, with Febbio being a popular starting point. A chairlift system leads to the summit ridge during the tourist season.
Best season
The best hiking season is from June to October, as snow can often linger in the higher elevations well into May. In winter, the mountain is a popular destination for ski tourers.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is characterized by wide alpine meadows and rugged rock formations at the summit. The ridge hikes offer spectacular views but require good sure-footedness from hikers.
What to bring
Trekking poles and sturdy mountain boots are very helpful due to the sometimes steep grassy slopes. A windproof jacket is almost always necessary because of the exposed location on the ridge.
Parking
In Febbio, larger parking areas are available for hikers. At the hiking trailheads in Civago, there are also designated parking spots, which can fill up quickly on holidays.
Safety
Watch out for sudden weather changes and fog, which can make orientation difficult on the wide plateaus. Please stay on the marked trails to avoid erosion damage to the environment.
Time needed
A hike to the summit and back usually takes between five and six hours. Plan for additional time if you wish to cross the entire mountain range or visit several peaks.
Geography
Facts
- Monte Cusna stands at a maximum elevation of 2121 meters.
- It is the second-highest peak in the entire Northern Apennine range.
- The mountain's nickname 'Il Gigante' refers to its massive, human-like shape.
- The summit offers a panoramic view of the Secchia and Enza valleys.
- The area is home to a significant population of red deer and wolves.
- The mountain ridge is a popular route for competitive trail running.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Monte Cusna (5)
Abetina Reale, Alta Val Dolo🌿 nature
A protected forest area known for its ancient fir trees.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Monte Cusna?
Due to its profile, it is called 'The Sleeping Giant'.
In which park is it located?
In the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park.
How high is the mountain?
It stands at 2121 m.
Where do you start the hike?
Often from Febbio or from Rifugio Monte Orsaro.
Are there marmots there?
Yes, they are common in the mountain's alpine meadows.
Monte Cusna: where is it located?
Monte Cusna is located in Italy.
Monte Cusna: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Parco Appennino Tosco Emiliano, Abetina Reale, Alta Val Dolo, Alpe di Vallestrina.
Monte Cusna: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Monte Cusna: why is it worth visiting?
Monte Cusna rises to 2121 meters, making it the second-highest peak in the Northern Apennines and the tallest in the province of Reggio Emilia.
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