Monte Forato

Monte Forato is a popular place for picnics in the Apuane Alps. It features a 12m. high natural arch formed by erosion due to wind and rain. Through the arch you can a view all the way to the coast of Tuscany. To get there you leave your car in Stazzema and follow the red and white marked trail. At a certain point after a small section of scrambling up rock with wires to assist you will come to a junction. The upper path over the rock is a via ferrata (assisted climbing route) which can be enjoyed if you have a helmet, harness and double lanyard. The lower path is suitable for hikers although you need to keep a sharp eye out for the marks on the rocks and trees.