What to do in Val Trebbia: outdoor activities among river, trekking and cycling
Val Trebbia is the perfect valley for those who love outdoor activities and slow tourism, made of trails, panoramic roads and crystal-clear water.
Knowing what to do in Val Trebbia means choosing every day between trekking, bike or e-bike rides, kayak descents, canyoning in streams and horse riding, with landscapes that change from one bend to the next.
trekking in val trebbia
Val Trebbia and slow tourism: nature, villages and river
The valley follows the course of the Trebbia River between Piacenza and the Ligurian Apennines, alternating river beaches, woods, hills and villages such as Bobbio, Travo and Rivalta.
It is a destination that has maintained a strong bond with nature: the river is considered among the cleanest in Italy and the trail network allows you to explore the area on foot or by bike, reaching panoramic spots and waterfalls along the way.
For those looking for what to do in Val Trebbia without stress, the idea is simple: choose a peaceful base in the valley and move around differently each day, alternating more dynamic activities with moments of pure relaxation by the river.
Cycling and e-biking along the Trebbia
Cycling is one of the best ways to discover the valley, especially along the gentler stretches between Piacenza and the first hills.
The Trebbia Cycle Route connects Piacenza to Rivergaro, following the course of the river: it is a flat route, or with gentle ups and downs, ideal for touring bikes and e-bikes, with continuous views of the bends of the Trebbia and the surrounding fields.
For those who want to head further up towards the middle Val Trebbia, e-bike rental services are available in Travo, with itineraries that allow you to cover longer distances in a short time, using electric assistance to better tackle climbs and steeper sections.
It is a perfect solution for those who do not have many days but still want to see more parts of the valley, keeping a sustainable pace and enjoying stops in the villages and at scenic viewpoints.
What to do in Val Trebbia if you love walking: trekking and waterfalls
For those who love walking, Val Trebbia offers dozens of trails with different levels of difficulty, from easier routes to more demanding hikes, often with views over the river and the side valleys.
The CAI trail signs are generally good and the itineraries include both natural spots and places of cultural interest, making it possible to plan half-day or full-day outings.
Trekking to the Perino Waterfalls
Among the experiences not to miss is the trek to the Perino Waterfalls, in a side valley overlooking Val Trebbia.
The waterfalls are a series of natural drops formed by the Perino stream, which flows through a rocky gorge, creating pools, waterfalls and very evocative views over just a few kilometres.
The best-known itinerary follows CAI trail 155, starting from the Calenzano area or from the church in the hamlet of Piccoli, in the municipality of Bettola, and allows you to see up to five waterfalls, with a circular route of about 6–7 kilometres and 2.5–3 hours of walking.
The route is considered medium-easy for those who are used to walking on trails: it requires trekking shoes and a little care on damp or more slippery sections, but offers one of the most scenic experiences in the area.
Carlone Waterfalls and other routes
Another much-loved hike is the one to the Carlone Waterfalls, near Bobbio: you can reach them on foot by following CAI trail 160, in about fifteen minutes from the main access point, with the possibility of visiting the thermal waterfall and the upper waterfall.
The trail connects to longer routes linked to the ancient Via del Sale, which connected Liguria and the Po Valley, and can be included in half-day or full-day hikes on the slopes above Bobbio.
For more experienced hikers, there are also circular routes towards the Rio Gavi waterfall and Monte Tre Sorelle, or panoramic itineraries that climb from the valley towards ridges and spectacular viewpoints, recommended for those with good physical fitness.
Lago Nero and Monte Bue: a high-altitude hike
For those looking for a high-altitude outing, not too far from Val Trebbia, the hike to Lago Nero and Monte Bue, in upper Val Nure, is well worth considering.
The trail starting from the Selva di Ferriere area or from Passo dello Zovallo crosses beech woods and high-mountain meadows, first reaching Lago Nero, a small glacial lake set in a basin among beech and fir trees, and then the summit of Monte Bue, one of the “giants” of the Piacenza Apennines, at around 1,780 metres above sea level.
The circular routes proposed by local guides are around 9–10 kilometres long, with 500–600 metres of positive elevation gain, and require a minimum level of fitness, but offer wide views over Val Nure, Val d’Aveto and, on the clearest days, even towards Liguria and the sea.
It is a perfect idea for those who, during a stay in Val Trebbia, want to dedicate a day to a more complete mountain hike, while still remaining within the Piacenza area.
Trebbia River: beaches, kayaking and canoeing
The Trebbia River is the common thread of many activities, especially during the warmer season.
Along the river, pebble beaches and stretches where the water opens into clear pools follow one another, perfect for swimming, sunbathing or organising a picnic, always paying attention to environmental respect and safety.
For those looking for a different point of view, guided kayak or canoe outings are available with local associations, allowing you to travel along stretches of the Trebbia safely, alternating small rapids with calmer areas.
It is an ideal way to experience the valley from the water, seeing the rocky walls, the more secluded beaches and the riverside vegetation from a completely different perspective.
Canyoning and wild streams
Among the most adrenaline-filled activities you can do in Val Trebbia is canyoning: descending streams on foot where they run between the rocks, with sections in the water, small jumps and natural slides.
Some tributaries of the Trebbia, such as Rio Colombaia and other waterways in the area, are used for canyoning outings organised by guides and sports associations, aimed at those who do not suffer from vertigo, can swim and feel comfortable in a river environment.
These activities are designed for adults and fit teenagers, offered during specific periods of the year, typically between June and August, with technical equipment, insurance and the support of qualified instructors.
For those who love water and are looking for something more intense than simply swimming in the river, it is one of the strongest experiences the valley can offer.
Horse riding and winter activities
Val Trebbia is also ideal for those dreaming of horse riding experiences, among woodland trails and panoramic stretches overlooking the river.
Farmhouses and riding centres in the area offer horse riding excursions for beginners and experienced riders, with outings lasting a few hours or a full day, often combined with lunches or snacks featuring local products.
When winter arrives, the activities do not stop: in the higher areas, such as the Monte Penice area, you can go skiing, sledding and snowshoeing, making the most of the snow to experience the valley in a different light, with cold, clear air and snow-covered slopes.
Even in this season, the idea is always that of slow and respectful tourism, adapting to the rhythm of nature.
When to go and where to stay to experience the valley at its best
For most outdoor activities, the best season runs from spring to autumn: from February–March for the first e-bike outings, through to October for trekking among the colours of autumn.
Kayaking and canyoning are generally concentrated between May and summer, depending on water and weather conditions, while winter is the ideal period for those who love snow and high-altitude snowshoeing.
To truly enjoy all these activities, choosing the right accommodation is essential: the ideal option is to stay in places surrounded by the greenery of the valley, close to Bobbio and the main starting points for trails and river activities.
A small B&B, with just a few rooms, a pool or garden and a peaceful atmosphere, becomes the perfect base for alternating active days with evenings of true relaxation, with the river and hills as a backdrop.
