The best running trails in the Piedmont

Embark on the Crown of Delights Trail for a moderate jogging experience that blends urban views with natural serenity. This route spans 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and includes a manageable 318 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. You will find yourself jogging along the tranquil Po river, enjoying the calming flow of the water before ascending towards Monte dei Cappuccini. From this vantage point, you can take in sweeping views of Turin's cityscape and the distant Alps, offering a rewarding visual contrast to the riverside paths.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as you can easily reach the starting point near the Po river jogging path in Turin using public transport. The trail offers a diverse running surface, with predominantly paved sections complemented by areas of gravel and natural paths. You will appreciate the shaded stretches along the river, which provide a comfortable environment, especially during warmer weather. Consider an early morning or late afternoon jog to best enjoy the cooler temperatures and softer light.

This trail is notable for its unique combination of riverside tranquility and elevated city panoramas. As you jog, you will pass significant landmarks like the Arch of Valentino and catch glimpses of the iconic Mole Antonelliana. The climb to Monte dei Cappuccini rewards you with spectacular viewpoints, allowing you to see Turin's skyline and, on clear days, the majestic Monviso in the Alps. It is an excellent option if you are looking for a varied run that showcases both the natural beauty and urban charm of the region.

If you're looking for a challenging jogging experience, the Torino Trail delivers with its varied terrain and ascents into the Torino Hills. This difficult 8.1-mile (13.0 km) path features scenic views, including landscaped areas and connections to historical sites, and can take around 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. You'll gain 1488 feet (454 metres) in elevation, making it a demanding run. The route offers glimpses of the broader Turin landscape, with potential distant views of the Alps on clear days.

The Torino Trail is a top favorite among local runners, known for its quality as a running destination. While specific access points are not detailed, the trail is situated within the Turin area, which offers diverse running environments. You can expect well-maintained paths and varied terrain suitable for jogging. Plan your visit to enjoy the extensive green spaces and tree-lined avenues that characterize the broader running environment in Turin.

This trail stands out as a top favorite for local runners, highlighting its popularity and the quality of the jogging experience it provides. Turin generally offers a wide array of running options, praised for its varied terrain, scenic views, and well-maintained paths. The Torino Trail specifically contributes to this reputation by offering a demanding route through the hills, connecting you with both natural beauty and historical elements of the region.

The Lago di Mergozzo - Ring tour offers a serene jogging experience around one of Italy's cleanest lakes. You'll follow the "Sentiero Azzurro," a mix of paved paths and natural sections through woods and pastures, enjoying continuous views of Lago di Mergozzo and Montorfano. This moderate 5.0-mile (8.0 km) route involves about 581 feet (177 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 59 minutes to complete. As you jog, you'll pass through rocky chestnut forests, where you might spot ancient ruins, and enjoy shaded sections along the way. The path provides ample space for pedestrians on its lakeside promenade, ensuring a peaceful run.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is generally accessible and suitable for most skill levels. The route is highly rated by the community, suggesting a consistently enjoyable experience. Since motorboats are not permitted on Lago di Mergozzo, you can expect a tranquil environment free from noise pollution. The trail is well-maintained, offering a mix of surfaces from paved to gravel and unpaved sections. Consider starting your jog in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best light and potentially cooler temperatures, especially during warmer months.

This route stands out for its exceptionally clean waters and the peaceful atmosphere created by the absence of motorboats. As you jog, you'll encounter historical elements, including ancient mule tracks and Romanesque churches like the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Montorfano. The trail also passes by Montorfano, a granite mountain, where information panels explain the geological history of the area and the techniques used for quarrying granite, some of which contributed to Milan's Duomo. From certain points, you can even catch glimpses of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, adding to the scenic beauty.

Jog around Lake Ceresole Reale for a moderate 4.9-mile (7.8 km) route that takes about 57 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 325 feet (99 metres). You will experience varied terrain, from accessible paths to gentle ascents and descents, all while surrounded by the majestic mountains reflecting in the lake's clear waters. The trail winds through larch and fir forests, offering the distinct scent of resin, and in some areas, rhododendron meadows.

This route is suitable for most joggers, with services like picnic areas, restrooms, and lakeside dining available for your convenience. While the main loop is generally easy to moderate, the area offers a broader network of trails if you seek more challenge. In warmer months, it is a popular spot for outdoor activities, but be aware that in winter, the path transforms into a cross-country skiing trail.

Lake Ceresole Reale is an artificial lake, created in 1925 by damming the Orco stream, and is part of a complex of six dams powering hydroelectric plants. Located within Italy's oldest national park, Gran Paradiso, the area provides an unspoiled natural environment where you might spot local wildlife like ibex, chamois, or marmots. The trail offers a peaceful experience, often less crowded than other alpine destinations, and provides excellent photographic opportunities of the surrounding peaks.

The Zamboni Hut and Fairy Lake Loop is a difficult jogging route that takes you through varied alpine terrain, including larch forests and sections with glacier moraine. You will cover 11.3 miles (18.1 km) and gain a substantial 3830 feet (1167 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Along the way, you can expect rewarding views of the majestic Monte Rosa massif, often referred to as the 'Himalayas of Europe', before reaching the tranquil Lago delle Fate with its distinctive milky turquoise waters.

This demanding route requires very good fitness and sure-footedness, making it best suited for experienced trail runners or hikers. It is not recommended for casual jogging due to the significant elevation changes and technical sections. Make sure you are prepared with sturdy shoes and have some alpine experience before you set out. Planning your visit during favorable weather conditions is also crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The trail's unique features include passing the welcoming Zamboni Zappa Hut and experiencing the dramatic scenery shaped by ancient glaciers. The Lago delle Fate, or Fairy Lake, is a highlight, nestled in a stunning mountainous backdrop. This loop provides a deep immersion into the natural environment of the region, showcasing its rugged beauty and challenging you with its alpine character.

Embark on the Valsusa Trail — Ring tour, a difficult jogging route spanning 8.1 miles (13.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2566 feet (782 metres). This challenging loop, which typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, offers a diverse terrain experience. You will navigate initial asphalted sections, demanding uphill stretches on old mule tracks, and technical mountain running segments, all while enjoying views of alpine landscapes and passing through charming hamlets.

This trail is best suited for experienced joggers and trail runners who are accustomed to mountain environments and varied surfaces. The climb towards the Sacra di San Michele on the "Vecchia Mulattiera" is particularly tough, requiring good physical fitness and sure-footedness. Starting and ending near the sports field in Chiusa di San Michele, the route is well-marked, especially given its association with the organized "Valsusa Trail" event.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Valsusa Trail offers a rich blend of history and culture. A major highlight is the passage by the Sacra di San Michele, a historic abbey perched on a mountain, providing a cultural and spiritual dimension to your run. The Susa Valley itself is steeped in history, connecting Italy and France with a legacy of ancient Roman presence and medieval developments, making this trail a unique journey through time.

Embark on a moderate jogging experience through the picturesque Val Troncea Natural Park, covering 6.1 miles (9.9 km) with an elevation gain of 458 feet (140 metres). This route, estimated to take about 1 hour and 12 minutes, guides you through lush forests and high-altitude meadows. You will follow the Chisone stream, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Cottian Alps and peaks like Monte Barifreddo, all within a distinctive U-shaped glacial valley.

This trail is accessible to all skill levels, featuring mostly paved surfaces alongside well-maintained dirt paths and gravel tracks. While there are some slight uphill sections, particularly within the larch forests, the stable terrain makes for a pleasant run. You can enjoy this route in all seasons, even finding it suitable for cross-country skiing during winter months.

The Val Troncea Natural Park is a protected area, established to preserve its unique environment and for educational purposes. As you jog, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife such as chamois, ibex, and marmots. You might also encounter historical elements like the ex-mulino di Laval and various information panels detailing the local flora and fauna, highlighting why this area is often called the "valley of flowers."

Start your jogging adventure with The Lakes of Avigliana — Ring tour, a moderate route that takes you around the scenic glacial lakes. You'll cover 5.1 miles (8.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 190 feet (58 metres), typically completed in about 52 minutes. Enjoy picturesque views of Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo, framed by dense forests and morainic hills. The terrain offers a pleasant mix of accessible paths, some paved sections, and gentle slopes, making for a varied and enjoyable run. Keep an eye out for distant panoramas of the Susa Valley and the majestic Susa Alps as you jog.

This route is part of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, located in Italy's Piedmont region. While many paths around the lakes are easily accessible, this moderate ring tour provides a good balance of effort and reward. The park is well-maintained, and you can expect clear signage. Consider visiting during milder weather to fully appreciate the natural beauty and avoid any extreme temperatures.

The Lakes of Avigliana are unique for their glacial origin and the protection offered by the natural park, preserving rich biodiversity. Lago Grande is notably one of the cleanest lakes in Piedmont, making the area a haven for various activities beyond jogging, including birdwatching around Lago Piccolo and the Mareschi wetland. The nearby medieval town of Avigliana also adds a cultural dimension to your visit, blending natural beauty with historical significance.

Enjoy a delightful jogging experience on the Il Lago Sirio loop, offering continuous views of the clear, spring-fed waters. This easy 2.3-mile (3.8 km) route, with a minimal 138 feet (42 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 27 minutes to complete. You'll jog on a mix of asphalted roads, quiet country roads, and dirt tracks winding through lush woods. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the historic Montalto Dora Castle as you move through the picturesque landscape. The varied surfaces make for an interesting run, with sections of single-track adding to the natural feel.

The primary loop around Lake Sirio is easily accessible and well-marked, making navigation straightforward for all visitors. This route is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, including families, due to its easy difficulty. The paths are generally well-maintained and consist of mostly paved surfaces around the lake, ensuring a smooth jogging experience. You can expect clear signage throughout the trail, helping you stay on course.

What truly sets this trail apart is the unique natural phenomenon known as the "Terre Ballerine," or "Dancing Lands." These elastic peatlands allow you to feel the ground literally move and bounce as you step on them, offering a memorable and fun experience. Lake Sirio itself is spring-fed, a distinct characteristic among the glacial lakes in the Riserva Laghi di Ivrea. The area's rich biodiversity and tranquil setting, combined with views of distant mountains, make it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.