Highlight • Monument
Mountain biking
5.0
(32)
Hiking
5.0
(2)
The Diga di Ridracoli, or Ridracoli Dam, is a remarkable man-made monument nestled in the scenic Romagna Apennines of Italy. Located within the expansive Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive arch-gravity dam stands at an elevation of 598 meters. It spans the Bidente river near the village of Ridracoli in Emilia-Romagna, creating a stunning, fjord-like artificial lake that stretches over three kilometers through the valley.
Visitors are consistently captivated by the…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ridracoli Dam
4.8
(16)
152
riders
57.1km
06:47
2,040m
2,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.6
(9)
125
riders
58.0km
05:53
1,830m
1,830m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
34
riders
60.1km
07:00
2,300m
2,300m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Details
Informations
Elevation 600 m
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Saturday 14 March
14°C
7°C
16 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
Most visited during
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Yes, Diga di Ridracoli offers several family-friendly options. While some trails can be challenging, there are easier, shorter paths suitable for families. The IDRO Ecomuseum of Water provides interactive exhibits that are engaging for all ages, and electric boat tours on the lake offer a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery. Always check trail difficulty before heading out with children.
Generally, dogs are welcome on many of the trails in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, provided they are kept on a leash. However, specific restrictions might apply in certain protected areas or within the dam's immediate facilities. It's always best to check local signage or the park's official guidelines before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
There is parking available near the dam, though it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is highly recommended to secure a spot. While specific costs can vary, there is typically a fee for parking, which contributes to the maintenance of the area. Look for designated parking lots as you approach the dam.
Reaching Diga di Ridracoli primarily relies on private transportation. Public transport options are very limited, with no direct train or bus services to the dam itself. The nearest towns might have some bus connections, but a car is generally necessary for convenient access to the dam and the surrounding trails.
For general hiking and exploring the trails around Diga di Ridracoli within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, no specific permits are typically required. However, certain specialized activities like sport fishing or organized events might necessitate permits or prior registration. Always check with the park authorities or local information centers for any specific requirements related to your planned activities.
The spectacular overflow of the Diga di Ridracoli, creating a 100-meter waterfall, is a natural phenomenon dependent on significant rainfall and snowmelt. This usually occurs during the late winter or early spring months (typically February to April) when water levels in the lake are at their highest. It's not a guaranteed event, so checking local news or the dam's official website for updates on water levels is advisable if you wish to witness it.
While the natural terrain of the national park can be challenging, efforts have been made to provide some accessibility. The immediate area around the dam and the IDRO Ecomuseum may offer more accessible paths and facilities. However, many of the hiking trails are rugged and not suitable for wheelchairs. It's recommended to contact the visitor center beforehand to inquire about specific accessible routes and facilities available during your visit.
The Foreste Casentinesi National Park is rich in biodiversity. Visitors often spot various wildlife, including wild boars, deer, roe deer, and fallow deer. Birdwatchers might see different species of birds of prey. The lake itself is home to various amphibians. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife spotting.
Yes, while the immediate vicinity of the dam is primarily natural, you can find cafes and restaurants in the nearby village of Ridracoli and in the slightly larger town of Bagno di Romagna. These areas also offer various accommodation options, from agriturismos to hotels, providing a comfortable base for exploring the region.
Visitors can enjoy electric boat tours on the artificial lake, offering a unique perspective of the dam and the surrounding natural beauty. Canoeing is also a popular activity, allowing for a more active exploration of the lake's serene waters. These activities are typically available during the warmer months, and rental services are usually located near the dam's visitor facilities.
Walking around the entire Diga di Ridracoli lake is a significant undertaking, as the lake stretches over three kilometers. A full circular walk around the entire perimeter is not a single, easily accessible trail and would involve a considerable distance and varied terrain, likely taking many hours or even a full day depending on the route chosen. Most visitors opt for shorter, designated trails that offer panoramic views of the lake and dam, or explore sections of the shoreline.