Enza River Cycle Trail

Starting from
Passo del Lagastrello
Tour length
108 km
Duration
3 days

A fascinating journey on two wheels that follows the course of the Enza stream – the natural boundary between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Parma – from the peaks of the Apennines down to the great River Po.

The Enza Cycle Route (also known as Regional Cycle Route ER 11) offers a varied and picturesque route, combining mountain landscapes, rolling hills and boundless plains. The route follows the stream from its source in the Apennines (near Lake Paduli in Tuscany) and winds its way down into the valley, passing through areas rich in history and charm, such as the Valle dei Cavalieri and the famous Terre Matildiche, before flowing majestically into the River Po.

The route is suitable both for more athletic cycle tourists looking for a multi-day adventure and for those who simply want a leisurely day trip out into the countryside on flat terrain.

From Passo del Lagastrello to Brescello

For experienced cycle tourists, the full route covers the entire course of the stream. It is an immersive adventure that starts in the high mountains and gradually descends to the Lower Po Valley.

  • Total length: 111 km

  • Recommended duration: 3 days

  • Elevation gain: 990 m

  • Downhill gain: 2.110 m

  • Difficulty level: Medium-high

Stages:

  • Day 1: From Passo del Lagastrello to Vetto (35,4 km - Difficult)

  • Day 2: From Vetto to San Polo d'Enza (31,6 km - Difficult)

  • Day 3: From San Polo d'Enza to Brescello (43,6 km - Moderate)

The complete route and the daily stages are available on Reggio Emilia Welcome Komoot Profile.

The Route through the Plain (From San Polo d’Enza to the mouth of the river)

The middle and final sections of the Enza Cycle Route are ideal for families, Sunday outings and anyone looking for a relaxing and accessible cycle ride. This section follows the river from the point where it cuts through the final hills to open out towards its mouth, situated between Sorbolo (PR) and Brescello, passing through the towns of Sant’Ilario d’Enza, Montecchio Emilia and Gattatico.

  • Starting point: San Polo d'Enza.

  • Segment length: 48,8 km

  • Difficulty level: Low. A completely flat route, mainly on tarmac with a few picturesque sections on dirt tracks.

  • Notes: The route runs largely along country roads with little or no traffic. However, you are advised to take care at junctions, roundabouts and in certain built-up areas (such as the exit from Montecchio Emilia, the short stretches of road in Taneto and Gattatico, and the section through the town of S. Ilario d’Enza).

The focal point of this cycle route, where the hills give way to the plains, is the historic village of San Polo d'Enza. If you decide to stop off here or to start your route across the plains, the following are definitely worth a visit:

  • The ancient 11th century old Fort Rocca dell'XI secolo, developed as a medieval castle and now Town Hall.

  • The Museo della Resistenza "S. D'Acquisto", that has its home inside the Fort.

  • The mighty fortified entrance to the town, last and evocative sign of the ancient medieval prospect.

  • the Romanesque Parish dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, located 1km away from the town centre.

Stage 1 - From Passo del Lagastrello to Vetto

The first stage of the Enza Cycle Route, starting from the Lagastrello Pass, a crossroads between Emilia and Lunigiana and between the provinces of Reggio, Parma and Massa-Carrara. The route winds its way down through bends and hills, with the River Enza on the right, crossing the Liocca stream and passing through the villages of Miscoso, Pieve San Vincenzo, Cereggio and Gottano, before reaching Vetto.

Stage 2 - From Vetto to San Polo d'Enza

The second stage follows the middle reaches of the River Enza, passing from mid-mountain terrain to much more hilly landscapes. On this stage, we can explore the badlands and the special protection areas of the Rupe di Campotrera, as well as the historic sites of Rossena Castle and Canossa, before reaching San Polo d’Enza, the last hilltop town before entering the vast Po Valley.

Stage 3 - From San Polo d'Enza to Brescello

The final stage of the Enza Cycle Route is entirely flat, following the river’s final stretch before it flows into the River Po. Among the places you’ll pass through are Montecchio Emilia with its imposing Castello Estense, the Romanesque Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Gattatico, and the riverbanks between Lentigione and the mouth of the Po, set amongst poplar groves and lowland countryside.