Rifugio Città di Sarzana, from SP15

Access

You exit at the Aulla junction and then take the Sp74 Massese which climbs (in the direction of Licciana Nardi) towards the Lagastrello Pass. Afterwards, you skirt Lake Paduli and turn right, crossing a bridge and parking, immediately, in the spaces at the edge of the road (45' from the tollgate).

Introduction

The circular route to the Città di Sarzana refuge, Appenino Tosco-Emiliano Alpe di Succiso

The circuit unfolds in the Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, with a fairly easy journey even from Liguria. At lower altitudes, the route passes through an almost impenetrable beech forest, while at higher altitudes it crosses an open ridge, with unmissable scenery. Along the provincial road, the many vehicles along the side of the road make it clear that the place is ideal for mushroom hunting!

Description

From the start  (1060 m) there is a double ascent option: a shorter one (but very little scenic) and a longer one with beautiful views along the way. We opt for the second hypothesis and climb slowly because of the thousands of tracks that develop in the beech forest and because of the need to follow the symbols carefully (in three places the symbols are lacking and are lost 35' for the path search = 25+5+5). Finally, you come out into the open and continue climbing up to the Sella dell'Acuto 1722 m. At 1' to the right, there is a boundary stone (Duchy of Parma and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany), almost 2 centuries old. While on the left, the Acuto peak (1755 m) appears and opposite, the Alpe di Succiso 2016 m strikes. One plunges down again between the tall trunks (be careful not to lose sight of the little flags...). You arrive from the Lake of Monte Acuto (1574 m) and the Città di Sarzana refuge (1580 m - 3h). It can be said that the structure is small and spartan...
After the stop, we set off again, taking altitude next to the wooden building. Some slight ups and downs with the route being clear, but a little uncomfortable. Continuing to slope down into the forest, then it improves and you find yourself back at the morning crossroads and the car (1h30).

All in all: almost excellent weather, a little cold on the ridge; difference in altitude almost 650 m diff. E+ outward 3h (+35' x path search) return 1h30 - Tot. 4h30

Average ride comfort: sufficient up to the saddle of Monte Acuto, afterwards poor; in the last 30'/35' or so it's decent.

If you want here's the pdf photo file, with a bit more info:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/RifSarzana019.pdf

... and some single shots as well:
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/1907V1Faggeta.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/1907V2PanoramaSuLagoPaduli.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/1907V3PanoramaVersoSellaAcuto.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/1907V4PanoramaOltreSellaAcuto.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/1907V5RifSarzana.jpg

All the outings, over the years, in Garfagnana, the Apuan Alps, Upper Tuscany and surrounding areas:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/GiteApuaneAltaToscana.htm

NB: in case of an outing, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authority or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been no changes to the itinerary, that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. This text is purely indicative and not exhaustive.