Autumn in Mugello: Foliage, Chestnuts, Villages and Scenic Walks

Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Mugello. From late September through November, the Apennine forests turn shades of gold, orange and red, chestnuts come back into season, mushrooms start appearing on local menus, and the cooler weather makes it much more enjoyable to spend time outdoors.

It is also a quieter time of year.

The pace is slower, the roads are less busy, and the days lend themselves perfectly to simple plans: a walk in the woods in the morning, a long lunch in a local trattoria, a village in the afternoon and perhaps a stop at a farm shop or market on the way back.

From the rolling countryside around Vicchio to the chestnut groves of Marradi and the mountain villages of Upper Mugello, autumn brings out a completely different side of the area.

When is the best time to see autumn colours in Mugello?

There is no exact date for peak foliage, as it depends on altitude, rainfall and temperatures.

As a general rule, the higher parts of the Apennines begin to change colour in late September and early October. October is usually the best month for autumn foliage, while lower areas and valleys can stay colourful into early November.

One of the things that makes Mugello so interesting is how quickly the landscape changes. Within a short drive, you can go from olive groves and open farmland around Vicchio and Borgo San Lorenzo to thick beech, oak and chestnut woods higher up in the mountains.

Some of the best places to enjoy autumn colours are Moscheta, Marradi, Palazzuolo sul Senio and Giogo-Casaglia Park.

Moscheta and the Seccatoi Trail

The historic Badia di Moscheta, founded in 1034 by Saint John Gualbert, sits deep in the woods near Firenzuola, inside Giogo-Casaglia Park.

In autumn, the real highlight is the landscape around it.

One of the nicest walks in the area is the Percorso dei Seccatoi, a themed trail that winds through the chestnut woods surrounding the abbey. Along the way, the route passes old drying houses that were once used to dry chestnuts before they were turned into flour.

The trail also crosses a beautiful centuries-old chestnut grove, which is especially atmospheric in October when the forest floor is covered in leaves and the trees are turning colour.

It is a good option for families with children who are happy walking, although it is not suitable for pushchairs.

In October, some of the chestnut groves around Moscheta may also allow visitors to collect chestnuts or marrons, depending on local rules and availability.

You can also visit the Museum of the Historical Landscape of the Apennines, located inside the abbey complex, which gives useful context to the farming, forestry and mountain traditions of the area.

Marradi: chestnut country at its best

If there is one place in Mugello that really comes into its own in autumn, it is Marradi.

The town is closely associated with the Marron Buono di Marradi, and chestnut growing has shaped the surrounding landscape for generations. In October, the hills around the town are full of chestnut groves and are particularly beautiful for an easy walk.

The atmosphere is very different from the classic image of Tuscany. Here, the landscape feels more distinctly Apennine, with wooded slopes, cooler temperatures and a strong connection to mountain traditions.

Some chestnut groves open to visitors during the season and allow people to collect marrons directly, although rules vary from place to place, so it is always worth checking in advance.

Marradi is also worth visiting even when there is no festival taking place. Its historic centre has a slightly different feel from the towns of central Mugello, with influences from both Tuscany and Romagna.

Marrone del Mugello PGI and autumn food

Chestnuts were once an essential part of everyday life in the Apennines, and that tradition is still very visible today.

One of the area’s best-known local products is the Marrone del Mugello PGI, a protected variety that remains closely linked to the mountain landscape.

In autumn, chestnuts and marrons appear everywhere, from markets and bakeries to restaurant menus.

One of the most traditional ways of using chestnut flour is castagnaccio, a rustic cake usually made with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary.

You will also often find more creative seasonal dishes, including tagliatelle made with chestnut or marron flour, pasta served with mushrooms or game, and desserts made with marrons.

In Marradi, sweet chestnuts are also used in local specialities such as tortelli filled with marron, cakes, preserves and marrons glacés.

Palazzuolo sul Senio: a mountain village in autumn

Another particularly beautiful place to visit in autumn is Palazzuolo sul Senio, in Upper Mugello.

Listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, it is a small mountain town characterised by stone houses, narrow streets and woodland that reaches almost to the edge of the village.

In autumn, the atmosphere changes completely: the surrounding woods take on red and golden hues, temperatures become cooler, and the village acquires that distinctly Apennine character of stone buildings, fireplaces and woodland produce.

Palazzo dei Capitani is well worth a visit. It houses the Archaeological Museum of Upper Mugello and the Museum of Rural Life and Mountain Communities.

Palazzuolo is also a good destination for visitors who are not necessarily looking for a demanding hike. You can explore the village, stop for lunch and spend part of the day enjoying an easy walk in the surrounding countryside.

During October, the village also celebrates sweet chestnuts, mushrooms and other woodland produce with the Ottobre Palazzuolese events.

The Diacci Loop and Cascata dell’Abbraccio

For a proper autumn hike, the Anello dei Diacci is one of the best options in Giogo-Casaglia Park.

The trail starts near Prato all’Albero and passes through woodland and streams before reaching Rifugio I Diacci.

One of the highlights is the Cascata dell’Abbraccio, a waterfall where the path passes behind the falling water.

The route runs through extensive beech woods, which makes autumn an especially good time to do it. In October and November, much of the trail is surrounded by yellow and copper-coloured leaves.

It is not a difficult hike for anyone used to walking, but it is still a mountain trail. Good footwear is important, particularly after rain.

Vicchio and the Mugello countryside

You do not have to head into the mountains to enjoy autumn in Mugello.

The countryside around Vicchio is also particularly attractive at this time of year. The temperatures are cooler, the light is softer and the smaller country roads are ideal for slow drives or easy walks.

The landscape here is different from Upper Mugello: more open, more rural and closer to the classic Tuscan scenery of farmhouses, olive groves and gentle hills.

Vicchio is also a good base for exploring some of the area’s most important cultural sites. The town is closely linked to Giotto and Fra Angelico, while the hills above it are home to Barbiana, where Don Lorenzo Milani founded his famous school.

Scarperia and the villages of Mugello

Autumn is also a good time to explore Mugello’s villages.

Scarperia is one of the best known, with its compact historic centre, Palazzo dei Vicari and long tradition of handmade knives.

It is easy to explore in a couple of hours and works well as part of a day that also includes lunch or a countryside walk.

Borgo San Lorenzo is another useful stop for markets, local shops and everyday life in Mugello.

That said, in autumn it is often the smaller mountain villages such as Marradi and Palazzuolo sul Senio that feel the most distinctive, thanks to their proximity to the woods and their strong connection to chestnuts and other seasonal products.

Mushrooms, truffles and seasonal cooking

Autumn in Mugello is not just about chestnuts.

It is also the season for mushrooms and truffles, which start appearing on restaurant menus alongside game, soups and richer dishes.

The classic Mugello potato tortelli are always worth trying, usually served with ragù or with butter and sage.

Autumn is a particularly good time to look for restaurants that change their menus with the seasons, using porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, game and other local ingredients.

It is also a great time to stop at farms, local shops and markets to buy chestnut flour, honey, cheese, cured meats and other regional products.

Three autumn events worth knowing about

Autumn is also one of the busiest times of year for traditional festivals.

Diotto in Scarperia

In Scarperia, the Diotto celebrations take place between August and September and are one of the town’s main annual events.

The programme usually includes historical re-enactments, parades, traditional games and cultural events throughout the historic centre.

It is a good excuse to visit Scarperia while the weather is still mild and the days are relatively long.

Marradi’s Marron Buono Festival

In October, Marradi hosts one of the best-known autumn events in Upper Mugello: the Mostra Mercato del Marron Buono di Marradi.

On Sundays throughout the month, the town fills with stalls, roasted chestnuts, local food, chestnut-based desserts, crafts and entertainment.

It is probably the best time of year to experience Marradi’s connection with its chestnut-growing tradition.

Ottobre Palazzuolese

Palazzuolo sul Senio also celebrates autumn throughout October with the Ottobre Palazzuolese.

The focus is on chestnuts, mushrooms, woodland produce and seasonal food, making it an easy event to combine with a visit to the village and the surrounding countryside.

As event dates change from year to year, it is always worth checking the latest programme before planning your visit.

Autumn in Mugello with children

Autumn works particularly well for families.

The weather is cooler than in summer, which makes walks easier, and children usually find plenty to keep them interested in the woods: fallen leaves, chestnuts, streams, small animals and changing colours.

Good options include the Seccatoi Trail at Moscheta, short walks around the chestnut groves near Marradi and a relaxed day in Palazzuolo sul Senio.

The Diacci Loop is longer and is better suited to children who are a

lready comfortable with several hours of walking.

Even a local autumn festival can make for a very easy family day out, especially if you combine it with a short walk or a village visit.

Three ideas for an autumn day in Mugello

If you only have one day, these are three easy options.

Marradi and the chestnut groves

Spend the morning in Marradi, take a walk through the chestnut woods and stop for lunch somewhere serving seasonal food.

In October, you can also combine the visit with the Marron Buono festival.

Palazzuolo sul Senio and Upper Mugello

Explore the village, visit the museums in Palazzo dei Capitani, have lunch and then take a short walk in the surrounding woods.

It is a good choice if you want the atmosphere of the mountains without committing to a long hike.

Diacci Loop and Cascata dell’Abbraccio

For a more active day, head straight into Giogo-Casaglia Park.

Start in the morning and allow plenty of time for the walk, the waterfall and the surrounding forest.

What to bring

Autumn temperatures can vary quite a lot between the valley and the higher parts of the Apennines.

A mild, sunny day in Vicchio can feel considerably cooler in Marradi, Palazzuolo or on the trails in Giogo-Casaglia Park.

Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even if the forecast looks good.

For walks and hikes, shoes with good grip are a sensible choice, especially after rain.

From October onwards, it is also worth checking sunset times before heading out on longer walks, as it gets dark surprisingly early in the woods.

Why visit Mugello in autumn?

Mugello is often thought of as a spring or summer destination, but autumn is arguably when it feels most atmospheric.

The woods change colour, chestnut groves come back to life, villages host seasonal markets and festivals, and the cooler weather makes it easy to spend the day outdoors.

It is also a season that suits slower travel: a morning walk, a long lunch, a village in the afternoon and something seasonal for dinner.

Most of all, autumn shows just how varied Mugello really is, from the open countryside around Vicchio to the chestnut groves of Marradi, the stone streets of Palazzuolo sul Senio and the beech forests of Giogo-Casaglia Park.

For anyone looking for autumn colours, easy walks, chestnuts, small villages and good food, October is one of the best times of year to visit.