From Pistoia reaching Maresca is easy: you must traverse the Piastre’s road, then continue towards the Valle del Reno in the direction of San Marcello, in Campo Tizzoro divert right towards Maresca. By continuing on Viale della Repubblica you arrive to the small town and from Piazza Ludovico Appiano, with the Church, you continue left in the direction of Foresta del Teso/Casetta dei Pulledrari. Overall 40/45 minutes by car.
You can park below the old Casetta’s refuge, nowadays unfortunately disused, once a wonderful rest stop for wayfarers or simply for people on holiday seeking clean air and tranquility.
You must take the path on the Casetta’s left, a large stony road delimited by a bar, but accessible to the means of transportation of the forestry service. At about 15 minutes of walk in the middle of beech trees there will be a deviation on the right with the indications of the CAI’s path 3. About an hour of climbs and woods and perfumed undergrowth bush, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and flowers of a rare beauty, to arrive to the RIFUGIO DEL MONTANARO.
The Rifugio can be booked through the Pro-loco of Maresca for the overnight stay. A part of the refuge is equipped and always open. It has an outdoor area equipped with tables and a panoramic terrace. By continuing along the path on the left you arrive to the Passo dei malandrini (around 1200 meters of altitude) and with a brief climb you can arrive at the ridge called ‘Pedata del Diavolo’ because of the lack of trees.
You will find yourself in the midst of a sea of grass admiring the majestic peaks of the Appennino Toscano and a breathtaking view.
Traduzione di Giulia Amorotti
