The most beautiful waterfalls in Reggio Emilia, Modena and Parma

When the heat hits, there is no need to escape to the sea or lake. Between Reggio Emilia, Modena and Parma, there are a large number of waterfalls where you can relax, find some refreshment and enjoy a wonderful out-of-town excursion. Let’s discover together the ones not to be missed!

REGGIO EMILIA

The Golfarone waterfall

In the locality of Val d’Asta (Villa Minozzo), near the village of Calizzo, is the Golfarone waterfall, a hidden corner that you would not expect, a small pearl set among the rocks. Along the Secchiello stream, the water has formed a 15-metre waterfall, which is followed by many beautiful drops that have formed small, shallow crystalline pools (but which can become dangerous if you slip). Although the waterfall is hidden in the forest, don’t think that it is a lonely place. Far from it. It can be reached via a path of about 500 metres starting from Civago. The path is not easy as it is rather steep.

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The Lavacchiello waterfalls

Located in the Ozola Valley, the Lavacchiello waterfalls offer thrills all year round, but especially during the spring season, when the winter snows begin to melt. They consist of several waterfalls, making a total drop of about 50 metres, along the right side of the Ozola stream, ploughing through a succession of layers related to the Arenarie di Monte Cervarola. The falls can be reached by an excursion along CAI path no. 635, which starts from Ligonchio. It is necessary to be careful, especially on slippery ground, at some points along this route, which in any case requires a certain amount of mountain experience. Along the way, there are numerous panoramic viewpoints, veritable natural balconies, exposed on the Ozola Valley and the schiocchi.

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The Tassaro waterfalls

The choreographic Tassaro waterfalls are located in the middle of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, not far from the municipality of Vetto. The Tassaro stream, a small tributary of the Tassobbio torrent, descends embedded between steep sandstone walls, making jumps that exceed a height difference of about 30 metres. The area is also particularly fascinating for the spectacular forms of erosion that flank the falls (with niches, mamelons and other erosive forms) as well as for the presence of rather rare tree species. There are two routes to reach the waterfalls, each with a different degree of difficulty but both very suggestive: the easier one starts from Scalucchia while the more challenging one starts and finishes at Crovara.

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MODENA

The Bucamante waterfalls

In the municipality of Serramazzoni (locality of Granarolo), in the green Modena Apennines, the five Bucamante waterfalls gush forth. Immersed in a dense broadleaf forest with rare specimens of local flora, they are formed by the stream of the same name that springs from the Monfestino and constitute one of the area’s most beautiful natural oases. According to one legend, the name derives from the sad story of a young pair of lovers, the aristocratic Odina and the young shepherd Titiro, who, because of their star-crossed love, threw themselves into the waterfall to put an end to their suffering. In the fall, the weight of their bodies caused the ground beneath the waterfall to collapse, which has since been called the ‘Lovers’ Hole’. The waterfall can be reached via a gentle path (also suitable for families) that starts in Granarolo.

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The Doccione waterfalls

Still in the Modenese Apennines, in Fellicarolo (a hamlet of the municipality of Fanano), are the Doccione waterfalls, a series of cascades with a total height of 120 metres, twenty-four of which are vertical drops. The water flows over tectonic plates, surrounded by a dense coniferous forest, creating an extraordinary scenario that is astonishingly spectacular. This wonder of nature can be seen from several vantage points, including a convenient wooden viewing platform. The waterfalls are easily accessible via a short path (10 minutes’ walk) that is also suitable for the disabled.

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PARMA

The waterfalls of Val Gelana

In the heart of the upper Val Taro, in the province of Parma, the unmissable waterfalls of the Val Gelana gush forth. Although it is a little-known valley, it can offer evocative landscapes that stimulate the hiker. The peculiarity of these waterfalls is its water rich in calcium bicarbonate, due to the nature of the rocks it flows through, which causes the formation of concretions and ‘drapes’. The waterfalls are hidden in a dense broadleaf forest and can be reached with a walk of about half an hour from Montarsiccio, in the municipality of Bedonia, along a path that does not present great difficulty.

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Photo gallery © (1) valdasta.it – (2 and 3) In Appennino Modenese