ポッピの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ20

The "San Paolo in Alpe" bivouac, recently built inside an old residential structure, is located in the mountainous part of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, more precisely in the province of Forlì-Cesena, in the municipality of Santa Sofia. The building is divided into two parts: one is always open and available as a temporary shelter, while the other is used as a managed bivouac, accessible by reservation. The building is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,030 meters and lies entirely within the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park. The surrounding landscape is characterized by open grazing areas, immersed in a forest landscape of high environmental value that extends to the Apennine ridge, which includes the Sasso Fratino Integral Nature Reserve, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Great location with good infrastructure

ideal for a barbecue after the tour

A short distance from Badia Prataglia is Campo dell’Agio (photo above), a large meadow on the edge of the forest that can be reached on foot and by mountain bike from the town square and by car by turning left next to the Il Carbonile inn, a couple of kilometers beyond Badia Prataglia in the direction of Passo dei Mandrioli. Campo dell’Agio, at 1026 meters above sea level, is also a large equipped area with a refuge, fountain, stoves and many tables at the beginning of the forest. The place is a real joy for families with children, but also a reference point for trekking lovers. In fact, it is the starting and finishing point of various itineraries that wind and intertwine in the famous Badia Prataglia Biogenetic Natural Forest, now included in the Casentinesi Forests National Park.

A beautiful panoramic point nearby

Capanna delle Guardie is a bivouac located at 1340 meters on Pratomagno, between the Vallombrosa Biogenetic State Reserve and the protected area of the Bosco di Sant’Antonio. The Bivouac, easily reachable from various paths, has 9 beds: there are in fact 3 bunk beds for three people. The bivouac is equipped with an internal fireplace, internal sink, large table with 2 benches and a water source outside (in recent years water has not always been present, so it is recommended to bring water with you). Outside there are several tables and two braziers; there is also a bathroom that can be accessed with the key provided on request by the Union of Municipalities of Valdarno and Valdisieve. (Source: https://effettoforesta.it/rifugio-capanno-delle-guardie-secchieta/ )

Always open, the bivouac only has a fireplace and a few battered pots (better to bring something). There are many grills. There is running water recently restored (2024). I found a couple of volunteers who take care of the House. It is also an educational center for the park. The place is wonderful.

The refuge, not managed, is located at an altitude of 1234 m. above sea level inside the Casentinesi Forest National Park, along the road that from the Camaldoli Hermitage, passing through Prato alla Penna, leads to Badia a Prataglia.