Rio Vespiol and Magnesite Nature Trail
- Trail Conditions: On foot
- Interest: Flora, Geology, Panorama
- Difficulty Level: E - Hiking (level)
- Difference in height: 180m
Rio Vespiol and Magnesite Nature Trail is formed by one trail (no. 1) transversally crossing the protected area, connecting the Municipality of Baldissero Canavese with Rio Vespiol, affluent of Rio Malesina, and the country hamlets of loc. Vespia. The itinerary involves the Municipalities of Baldissero Canavese, Castellamonte, and Vidracco and crosses CAI 751 trail.
This trail is the most varied of the whole trail network of the Nature Reserve, since it gives the opportunity to cross all the different environments characterizing it, passing near Bric Carleva.
Along the way, it is possible to observe the different vegetation covering of the two slopes of the mountain, from the oak and butcher's broom populations of the low southern slope to the herbaceous formations of the high slope and the ridge, to reach then the artificial woods of black pine, Scots pine, and juniper of the northern slope.
Part of the trail runs parallel to a magnesite vein exploited in the past by mining activities: therefore, here you can enjoy the charming gully-like morphology of human and erosive origin.
At the foot of the north-western slope, the trail runs along Rio Vespiol, where you will enjoy an unexpected coolness also in the hottest summer days. The waters of the creek house interesting freshwater crayfish populations.
If you want to make the trail longer, continue along via Vespia, where it is possible to join CAI 751 trail, reach Torre Cives and, to end the visit, go back to the departure point.
Walking time: 35 minutes (further 15 minutes for the asphalt road leading to Torre Cives).
Road bottom: trail
