Nature Reserves in Piedmont
Nature Reserve Guide
Piedmont is home to more than 40 nature reserves, part of an extensive system of protected areas in northwest Italy. These reserves safeguard a wide range of landscapes, from the high Alpine peaks of Gran Paradiso and the rugged wilderness of Val Grande to the rolling hills and riverine wetlands of the Po River valley. The diverse terrain offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering on a vast network of trails.
Nature Reserves in Piedmont
…5958
Routes
4.4
(25909)
Average rating
222K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.2
(3248)
19,111
hikers
#1.
Riserva Naturale Del Fondo Toce
Riserva Naturale Del Fondo Toce is a 360-hectare wetland reserve at the Toce River and Lake Maggiore confluence, offering flat terrain ideal for cycling and hiking routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(2240)
18,278
hikers
#2.
Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime
Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime offers diverse outdoor activities across its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine lakes, with routes for hiking, cycling, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.3
(892)
11,458
hikers
#3.
Riserva Naturale Dei Canneti Di Dormelletto
Riserva Naturale Dei Canneti Di Dormelletto is a 157-hectare nature reserve on Lake Maggiore, offering diverse routes for road cycling, hiking, and gravel biking. Its reed beds provide vital habitat.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(1208)
10,318
hikers
#4.
Parco Naturale Orsiera-Rocciavrè
Parco Naturale Orsiera-Rocciavrè offers a rugged Alpine environment in Piedmont, Italy, with diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(566)
10,307
hikers
#5.
Parco Naturale della Val Troncea
Parco Naturale della Val Troncea, a nature reserve in the Cottian Alps, offers diverse glacial landscapes and numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(1150)
9,740
hikers
#6.
Natural Park Orsiera - Rocciavre'
Natural Park Orsiera - Rocciavre' is a Piedmontese nature reserve with diverse alpine terrain for hiking, road cycling, gravel biking, and touring cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(696)
7,944
hikers
#7.
Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand
Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand is a nature reserve in Italy's Susa Valley, offering extensive woodlands and high-altitude pastures for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(779)
7,142
hikers
#8.
Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana
Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana is a nature reserve in Piedmont, Italy, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes around its glacial lakes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(609)
6,756
hikers
#9.
Riserva Naturale Di Rocca San Giovanni - Saben
Riserva Naturale Di Rocca San Giovanni - Saben offers diverse routes for hiking and cycling through rugged mountains and a unique Mediterranean microclimate.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(847)
6,417
hikers
#10.
Parco Naturale del Marguareis
Parco Naturale del Marguareis, a Ligurian Alps nature reserve, offers diverse terrain for hiking, gravel biking, and other outdoor pursuits.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(849)
6,296
hikers
#11.
Parco naturale della Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro
Parco naturale della Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro is a nature reserve in the Ligurian Alps, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.2
(635)
5,989
hikers
#12.
Natural Park Lagoni di Mercurago
Natural Park Lagoni di Mercurago is a 473-hectare nature reserve in Piedmont, Italy, offering varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.2
(629)
5,980
hikers
#13.
Parco Naturale dei Lakeni di Mercurago
Parco Naturale dei Lakeni di Mercurago offers diverse landscapes of wetlands, forests, and pastures, with trails for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.4
(872)
5,897
hikers
#14.
Monte San Giorgio Natural Park
Monte San Giorgio Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling across varied terrain.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.3
(683)
5,799
hikers
#15.
Parco Naturale La Mandria
Parco Naturale La Mandria is a UNESCO World Heritage site in northwest Italy, offering diverse landscapes for mountain biking, hiking, road cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(781)
5,629
hikers
#16.
Riserva Naturale Speciale Del Sacro Monte Di Oropa
Riserva Naturale Speciale Del Sacro Monte Di Oropa is a Piedmont nature reserve with diverse landscapes and over 100 routes for hiking, cycling, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.4
(585)
5,084
hikers
#17.
Parco Naturale del Monte Fenera
Parco Naturale del Monte Fenera is a Piedmontese nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(531)
5,003
hikers
#18.
Parco naturale Alta Valsesia
Parco naturale Alta Valsesia is Europe's highest protected area, offering diverse alpine terrain for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.3
(543)
4,630
hikers
#19.
Parco Naturale del Monte Tre Denti - Freidour
Parco Naturale del Monte Tre Denti - Freidour offers diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes across hills and mountains near Turin.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.4
(410)
4,486
hikers
#20.
Riserva Naturale Orientata Del Bosco Solivo
Riserva Naturale Orientata Del Bosco Solivo offers diverse forests and a gently undulating landscape for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes near Lake Maggiore.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Most popular routes in Piedmont
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nature reserves in Piedmont?
Nature reserves in Piedmont are protected areas established to conserve the region's diverse landscapes, from high Alpine peaks to river valleys. This page aggregates information and routes for over 40 of these reserves, which offer opportunities for human-powered outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
What are some notable nature reserves in Piedmont?
Piedmont features several key protected areas. The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime is known for its rugged peaks and alpine lakes. In the Cottian Alps, the Parco Naturale della Val Troncea offers glacial landscapes. Near Lake Maggiore, the Riserva Naturale Del Fondo Toce provides wetland terrain with flat routes.
What activities can be done in Piedmont's nature reserves?
The primary activities in Piedmont's nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with over 5,800 routes available across the region. Many reserves also offer trails for running and mountaineering. Specific guides are available for Hiking in the Piedmont and Cycling in the Piedmont.
What kind of hiking is available in Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime?
The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime contains over 80 distinct hiking trails. The routes traverse a landscape of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine lakes, offering options for various skill levels. The park also has routes for road cycling and mountain biking.
Are there family-friendly routes in Piedmont's nature reserves?
Yes, several nature reserves offer routes suitable for families and beginners. The Riserva Naturale Del Fondo Toce features flat wetland terrain ideal for easier walks and cycling. The Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana also has a variety of accessible routes around its glacial lakes.
What cycling opportunities are there in Parco Naturale della Val Troncea?
The Parco Naturale della Val Troncea provides a glacial landscape with numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and hiking. Its trails wind through the Cottian Alps, offering diverse options for cyclists exploring the high valleys.
Which nature reserves are near Turin?
Several nature reserves are located near Turin, providing accessible outdoor recreation. The Parco Naturale della Collina di Superga offers routes for hiking and cycling in the hills just outside the city. Further out, the Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana is another nearby option with trails around its lakes.
What is the best time to visit Piedmont's nature reserves for hiking?
The hiking season in Piedmont's Alpine reserves, such as Gran Paradiso and Val Grande, generally runs from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, most trails are free of snow and weather conditions are more stable. Lower elevation reserves can be visited for a longer portion of the year.
Are there dog-friendly trails in Piedmont's nature reserves?
Rules regarding dogs vary by park and trail, especially in national parks where wildlife protection is a priority. It is essential to check the specific regulations for each nature reserve before visiting with a dog. Generally, dogs must be kept on a leash.
What is special about Val Grande National Park?
Val Grande National Park is considered the largest wilderness area in Italy, characterized by dense forests, deep canyons, and a rugged, untamed landscape. Due to its wild nature, its trails are best suited for experienced hikers and backpackers who are well-prepared for challenging terrain and solitude.
Can I go mountain biking in Piedmont's nature reserves?
Yes, many nature reserves in Piedmont offer designated mountain bike trails. For example, Parco Naturale Orsiera-Rocciavrè has over 30 routes for both standard and easy mountain biking. The region provides a wide variety of terrain, from woodland paths to high-altitude tracks.
What are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont?
The Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) are a series of nine chapel complexes, seven of which are in Piedmont, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each complex is set within its own nature reserve, blending religious architecture with the natural landscape. These sites offer paths for walking and hiking.
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