A wide network of hiking trails and bike routes run throughout the Garfagnana.
From the Orecchiella Natural Park to the Apuane National Park, there is much to offer on largely uncrowded trails and byways.
Outlined here are two routes, a simple day hike in the Orecchiella Reserve and a longer day trek/bike adventure from the center of the region to the heights of the Apuane Alps. There are of course many other itineraries to choose from, as well as multi-day possibilities - one would be advised to consult detailed regional topographic maps or inquire at the Orecchiella or Apuane Park Visitor Centers.

Another excellent way to get to know the land and its people is go mushroom picking, particularly after a period of rain in the fall or spring. Natives will probably not divulge their favorite sites but sunny, moist chestnut slopes are often good bets. One may find porcini or even black truffle in the fall with good fortune - be careful, however, not to pick one of the two types of lethal funghi: first-timers should shadow an experienced, native hunter. Even if there are slim pickings one will at least enjoy a pleasant ramble through the woods; and there is nothing better than taking a nap under an old chestnut tree. Chestnut picking in the fall is easier than finding mushrooms -- just wear gloves when handling the spiked shells!

- Orecchiella Natural Park

A half-hour drive from Piazza al Serchio, one of the principal Garfagnino towns, lies the magnificent Orecchiella Natural Park. An easy walk from the Visitor Center leads one to the Botanical Garden, which highlights the Orecchiella's floral diversity. A series of trails heads from here to the summit of Pania al Corfino, a dramatic limestone peak that dominates the Serchio valley.
At over 1600m the Pania is one of the highest peaks in Tuscany, affording climbers with panoramic views of the Serchio river valley and the entire majestic Apuane Alps range.
There are many fine circuit trails around the Pania and elsewhere in the park. Trails labeled Airone 1, 2 and 3 are excellent loop itineraries: #1 is a fine ascent and tour of the Pania, while #3 is a longer circuit of the park's highest peaks, including Monte Prado, at 2,054 meters the loftiest in Tuscany. Nice mountain huts make excellent overnight stops along the route.

The Orecchiella Park has a variety of rare flora, due to the fact that it is something of an alpine island within a warmer region. In addition it boasts an array of special fauna, including royal eagles, royal owls, hawks, deer and more recently introduced rams and wolves.

- From Cogna to Equi Terme

A superb mountain bike (and road bike, since unpaved stretches can be avoided) or long-distance hiking route leaves from the village of Cogna and finishes at Equi Terme, thermal springs center on the western slope of the Apuane Alps. While on either bike or on foot the route could be done in a day, a more relaxing walking tour could be done in two or more days, staying in villages or mountain huts enroute. Note that one must bring a good 1:25,000 topographic map along, be competent in navigation, nor would it hurt to know a bit of Italian or bring along a native friend, for routes are not always well marked in and around villages or on main roads.

Leave from the top of Cogna village on a quiet, unmarked dirt road that heads to S. Anastasio. Continue on the back road, with stupendous view of the Apuane Alps, to Passo Carpinelli, the divide between the Garfagnana and the Lunigiana region. From here head to Giungugnano and then follow the secondary road to Minucciano, approaching the heights of the Apuane. From here bikers may continue their ascent by back road to the high hamlet of Ugliancaldo, then down to Equi Terme, which is connected by train. On foot from Minucciano take the scenic and well-marked trail to Ugliancaldo, from which one may ascend further toward the imposing Pizzo d'Uccello, at 1781m the highest peak in the Apuane. Descend from Ugliancaldo on the trail marked for Equi Terme, or if coming from the Pizzo ridge there is another more direct trail to town. Enjoy a hot mineral bath in Equi Terme's spa, a just reward for any trekker or biker, the spa's restorative powers enough to bring almost any exhausted traveler back on their feet. Note that walkers who wish to complete this route in one day, and also have time to hike up a bit toward Pizzo d'Uccello, would be advised to start at Passo Carpinelli rather than Cogna.