Boschi di Carrega, a nature preserve located between Collechio and Sala Baganza, is a
favorite weekend destination for my family and me. With towering Oaks, Chestnut trees and an ancient Beech forest, entering the park feels like a world away from Parma after only a 30 minute drive.
We normally use the car park just south of Collechio center, located off of Strada Nazionale Ovest. We start our hike by going up the steep hill that leads into the forest from the parking area. Once at the top of the hill you can follow the trail into a sunny meadow, perfect on chilly winter days, or continue through the forest which is preferable on hot days in early autumn. Aside from the initial ascent, the trails are mostly gentle and easy enough even for novice hikers.
There are many trails crisscrossing the park taking you through the forest, around a pond full of turtles, meadows where you can spot deer or even wild boar, and eventually to the Casino dei Boschi, an enormous facility dating back to the time of Maria Luiga and located on the Sala Baganza side of the park.
The Casino is mostly in disrepair and falling apart in most places, but in the center of the long colonnade there is a welcome center that hosts some nature and history exhibits. It’s worth a quick stop to learn a about the area.
Not far from the Casino, you can find a nice restaurant with a casual atmosphere nestled in the trees. The restaurant, called Ponte Verde, is a collection of tables under string lights zigzagging from tree to tree, and serves local delicacies like Parma hams, mixed cheeses, pizzas and salads. There is also a play area for kids with little bikes, strap lines and other toys, making it a perfect place to stop while on a hike with children. (Ponte Verde is a seasonal establishment and closes during the colder months. Make sure to check their website to see if they’re open.)
I don’t know how many kilometers of trails there are throughout the park, but the loop from the Collechio parking area to the Casino and back can take about an hour if walking continuously. With kids, there are always many stops along the way to observe wildlife, climb trees and build things out of fallen tree branches. You could easily spend half of the day there.
When Ponte Verde is closed, we like to go for pizza at Porfido in Collechio. It’s a family restaurant with a super friendly and accommodating staff. Pizza is their specialty, but they also have pastas and other dishes. They are closed on Sundays, so better to do your hike on a Saturday!
A walk in the Boschi di Carrega requires very little planning and not much gear. A good pair of shoes and a few layers of clothes are all you need to enjoy this little gem!
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