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Hospitality-Hiking paths-Handicrafts and typical products-Photo Gallery
 
 - -------- TOURISM ------- -               Hiking paths :      
 
  • Introduction
 



Montaione has a network of hiking paths (some of which can also be covered on a mountain bike) which run throughout the territory of the Municipality.
The paths are organised along 6 itineraries, mostly ring shaped, and have been studied so as to allow the visitor to discover most of the territory, enjoying the areas, the forests and the slopes which, until a few years ago, were known only to hunters and mushroom gatherers. They follow the tracks of the ancient farm roads, of paths once used by wood cutters and shepherds. There are two good reasons to keep this network in good shape: first, to preserve the historical memory of place names, and second, in order to be able to reach the deepest forest areas quickly to reduce damage due to summer fires. The paths are of different length, and with many degrees of difficulty.
 
They are marked by progressive numbers, which are written on metal signs all along the route, together with other white and red painted markings. At the beginning and end of each ring, there are metal signboards showing the features of the path: how it can be covered (on foot, on mountain-bike), where it starts and where it ends, the distance in Km, the total altitude difference in metres, and the time it takes for an ordinary walker.
The paths also cover different kinds of areas. Some go deep into the forests, some along the rivers at the bottom of the valley, others along the crest of the hills providing limitless scenery. It is important to stress that the paths often go through private property, or near places providing accommodation. Walkers are therefore invited to respect the privacy of the guests and owners, behaving civilly.
The paths are shown on a 1:25,000 scale map (Itinerari nel Verde) and described in detail in a chapter of the guide "Montaione - Il Paese del Turismo Verde" (Edizioni Tosca s.r.l. - Fi- -1996). These publications are on sale in Montaione at paper shops and tobacconists, and in some specialised bookshops in Florence.
Following is a short description of the paths. Those who are interested would do well to call the Economic Development Office of the Municipality to ask about their state. The number is 0571/699254.