Autumn walks: where to go when the temperatures drop
Autumn gives a new dimension to walking. The days grow shorter, the air becomes cooler, the trails take on an intimate atmosphere, and the landscapes burst into striking colors. It...
Autumn gives a new dimension to walking.
The days grow shorter, the air becomes cooler, the trails take on an intimate atmosphere, and the landscapes burst into striking colors.
It is the ideal time to explore historic and natural routes, rediscovering the pleasure of traveling on foot, following the rhythm of the seasons, and letting yourself be surprised by the beauty of the places you pass through.
Among Woods and the Apennines: The Casentinese Forests
Photo: Francesco Cavallari / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0. Source and license in the image credits.
Beech forests, chestnut groves, and centuries-old woodlands make the Apennines one of the most evocative settings of the Italian autumn.
In the Casentinese Forests National Park, the area of the Foresta della Lama and Monte Penna offers fascinating routes for admiring the foliage. Shades of yellow, red, and orange transform the landscape into a natural spectacle.
Why go in autumn: to immerse yourself in the colors of the woods, listen to the rustling of the leaves, and experience the pleasure of walking in nature.
Following the permitted trails and respecting the Park's guidelines allows you to discover this environment while respecting the protected areas.
Ways of Faith and History
Via Francigena – Tuscany
Photo: Cristina Gottardi / Unsplash
Among the most evocative stages of the Via Francigena, the route from San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani crosses the heart of the Val d’Orcia.
The route requires good physical preparation and offers extraordinary views of hills, white roads, and medieval villages.
Why in autumn: the cooler temperatures and soft light enhance the shapes of the Tuscan landscape, inviting you to observe every detail.
Via di Francesco – Umbria
Photo: Alessandro Guarino / Unsplash
From Gubbio to Assisi, passing through Valfabbrica, the walk winds through hills, woods, and places linked to the life of Saint Francis.
The Gubbio–Valfabbrica section is demanding: before setting out, consult the official route guide and check the accommodation and overnight stay options along the way.
Why in autumn: the colors of the Umbrian hills accompany a route rich in spirituality, history, and tradition. A journey that invites you to rediscover the value of the essentials.
Toward the Sea: The Path of the Gods
With the arrival of cooler temperatures, coastal routes also become particularly pleasant.
The Path of the Gods, from Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, to Nocelle, offers spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.
The route requires sure-footedness, caution in exposed areas, and appropriate footwear.
Why in autumn: on days of good weather, the milder temperatures and clear light invite you to discover one of Italy's most famous landscapes.
Villages and Memory: The Briganti Trail
Between Abruzzo and Lazio, the Briganti Trail crosses small towns, chestnut groves, and territories rich in history and traditions.
To discover this itinerary, you can start from the Sante Marie–Santo Stefano stage, which gradually introduces you to the experience of walking.
Why in autumn: the colors of the Marsica, seasonal products, and the atmosphere of the villages offer an authentic journey, filled with encounters, stories, and local flavors.
Preparing for an Autumn Walk
Every season has its own pace, and autumn invites you to plan your journey with particular care.
Daylight hours are shorter, temperatures change throughout the day, and trails can become damp.
Before setting out, it is important to:
- Study the route and plan your timing based on daylight hours.
- Check distances, elevation changes, and updated tracks in the official stage guides.
- Choose layered clothing, with waterproof protection.
- Use footwear suitable for the terrain and the season.
- Bring water, an energy snack, and a headlamp.
- Check the weather forecast, trail updates, and any closures.
Good preparation allows you to enjoy every experience with greater peace of mind and to devote all your attention to the beauty of the journey.
Every Season Has a Story to Tell
A trail walked in spring can still surprise you in autumn. Places change, colors transform, and every journey offers the opportunity to discover something new.
Walking also means this: observing the changing world and recognizing what continues to accompany us.
The colors change. The light changes. The desire to set out remains.
Carry Your Journey With You
Every journey leaves a mark: a landscape, an encounter, a memory, a symbol that continues to accompany us even after we return.
Pilgrim’s Backpack was born from this idea: to carry with you what makes every walk special.
Discover the Pilgrim’s Backpack collection and choose the symbol that will accompany your next journey.
Sources and Further Reading
- Casentinese Forests National Park
- Via Francigena – Official Routes and Stages
- Via di Francesco – Routes and Hospitality
- CAI Monti Lattari – Path of the Gods
- Briganti Trail – Official Itinerary
- Italian Alpine Club – Hiking and Safety
Image Credits
The authors and sources of the images used in the article are listed below. For the terms of use of the photographs, please consult their respective original pages.
- Cover: image entirely reimagined with artificial intelligence.
- Casentinese Forests: Francesco Cavallari, “Sentieri di foglie tra le foreste casentinesi” / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
- Via Francigena: Cristina Gottardi / Unsplash.
- Via di Francesco: Alessandro Guarino / Unsplash.
A thank you to those who, through photography, share the beauty of places and inspire new walks.