Family trekking
Piani Resinelli
Italy - Lombardy - Lecco
An Experience Not to Be Missed!
If you are a lover of nature and breathtaking views, the Piani dei Resinelli is a must-see stop on your itinerary.
Easy Difficult
Located in the heart of the Lombard Pre-Alps, these Piani offer nature and spectacular views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
Easily reached by a short walk.
In this article we will guide you to discover this corner of paradise, telling you how to get there, what to expect, and why you should definitely include it in your next trip.
How to get there
Piani Resinelli is a popular destination especially during the summer season because of the cool, mild climate here even in the middle of August.
Upon reaching your destination you will immediately see a large parking lot with paid parking spaces. Nevertheless, depending on the period, finding a place can be really complicated.
In case you cannot find a free place for your car, you can opt for free parking in “Via degli escursionisti 19 – Abbadia Lariana” (click here for the coordinates).
If you can’t find parking even at the coordinates we’ve given, keep going and you’ll find more paid parking on the road.
General Info
The Piani Resinelli are one of Lombardy‘s most fascinating gems for trekkers.
They offer the perfect mix of scenic trails, quiet forests and spectacular views of Lake Como.
One of the things that characterizes these plans is definitely the number of trails offered.
There really is something for everyone here! You can take more or less challenging trails depending on distance and disvilello.
The trail is suitable for everyone, but if you take a stroller with you, keep in mind that you can only go as far as the Panoramic Footbridge. Beyond that point, the trail is no longer accessible with a stroller. In any case, we remind you that the trail is not paved, but in the first section, if you wish, you can precisely walk it with a stroller.
Below we tell you which paths you can find.
In this article we do not leave you the GPX track as usual since the routes are well indicated by appropriate signage.
Coltignone Ring
- Difficult: Easy
- Walking time (of the loop alone): 1 hour
A tour really suitable for everyone, including families with children. It is a loop trail in the woods that passes by the Valentino Park viewpoint, from which there is a magnificent view of the Lecco branch of Lake Como.
Along this loop you will also encounter the ancient Villa Gerosa, now home to a small museum.
Panoramic Walkway
- Difficult: Very Easy
- Travel time from Villa Gerosa: 15 min
This is not a real trek, but it is definitely worth a visit!
From the Resinelli parking lot, it only takes a few minutes to reach the Belvedere viewpoint, from which there is a wonderful view of Lecco and the lake.
Walk along the short footbridge to take a souvenir photo! 📷
Belvedere del Monte Coltignone
- Difficult: Very Easy
- Travel time from the crossroads: 30 min (round trip)
The trail is well-marked, with sections in the woods and a few viewpoints along the ascent. At the top you will find a lookout with crazy views of Lecco, Lake Como and Resegone.
Mount Coltignone is located just above Lecco. It is easily reached on foot in a short time and with very little elevation gain, so it is also perfect for families, beginners or for a sunset walk.
Mount Coltignone is one of the symbolic peaks of Piani Resinelli, if you are here you can’t miss the summit of the trail.
Perfect if you are looking for an easy but scenic hike.
Although not as high as the Grignetta, it gives one of the most spectacular views of Lake Como, Resegone and the Lombardy Pre-Alps.
It is a great destination for those who want a good trek without too much effort!
Heaven's Peak
- Difficult: Very Easy
- Travel time from the junction of Mount Coltignone: 15 min (one way)
Cima Paradiso is the last of the routes we offer here at Piani Resinelli.
It is a natural lookout that overlooks the Gerenzone Valley and gives a unique view of the Grignetta from an unusual angle, as well as seeing Lake Lecco in the background.
This trail is also well marked and winds through quiet woods and sunny glades.
Recommended route
We know very well that Piani Resinelli offers so much choice and deciding can sometimes be difficult.
As always, we recommend that you choose the best route for you, depending on the time you have available and the difficulty.
In general, the routes we have suggested in this article are all easy and can be safely hiked even with children.
Pay close attention to the scenic spots.
Here we propose the stages we recommend you do:
- Start from Piani Resinelli, near Valentino Park.
- Take the Coltignone loop trail.
- Take a break to enjoy the view from the Panoramic Footbridge.
- Take a detour to the Mount Coltignone trail
- Returning to the loop take another detour this time to Cima Paradiso. Stop here for a break or picnic on the large meadow.
- You can go back the same way and finish the loop, alternatively there is a variation that will allow you to return to the starting point in less time.
When to go? ☀️
Piani Resinelli is the ideal destination in the hot season. As we told you at the beginning of the article, you will be able to find some fresh air here even during the hottest season.
Alternatively, you can also opt for autumn or spring, when there is less influx of people and the colors are postcard-perfect.
Extra Tips
At Piani Resinelli there are also several refuges and bars where you can take a break.
If you have time, combine this tour with a visit to the Grigna Museum (in Villa Gerosa at Valentino Park).
Conclusion
We often return to Piani Resinelli, especially during the summer season. Needless to say, we recommend going as soon as possible!
In our opinion it is the perfect destination to spend a pleasant afternoon in the fresh air.
If you have more time available, we recommend that you organize your trek so that you arrive at the Piani already in the morning (not necessarily too early). Start your trek and afterwards stop at one of the green meadows for a quick lunch break.
Lie down on the meadow and enjoy some sunshine.
Continue on and enjoy the scenic view in the late afternoon, perhaps at sunset!
You’ll see that even after this first visit, you’ll be back again soon. 🥰
