The Balze del Valdarno in the Acqua Zolfina Trail

The Balze is certainly the most beautiful panorama one can admire while trekking in the Upper Valdarno near Florence and, at the same time, the most unknown.

The most characteristic trekking path inside the Balze (crags) of Valdarno, accompanied by the typical Tuscan cultivated landscape, is certainly the path called ‘dell’Acqua Zolfina’. This ring-route consists of two paths: the ‘Fossate’ path and the ‘Acqua Zolfina’ path, which take their names respectively from the Fossate stream and the sulphurous water spring, which can be found via a small diversions from the main path.

The loop trail, about 6 km long, begins just outside the walls of Castelfranco di Sopra and is correctly marked by signs and by red and white markings on tree trunks.

The Acqua Zolfina Path

Leaving the gate of Castelfranco, which is located near the post office (in whose car park it is advisable to park), we find ourselves in front of a small wooden tabernacle where the circular path we are going to follow is illustrated.

We take the road to the right of the tabernacle, which shortly afterwards becomes a dirt road and enters a lush forest that follows the course of the Borro delle Fossate. In this stretch you will be able to see glimpses of the Balze spires and the Borro itself, which you will cross several times.

Continuing on, it is possible at several points to deviate from the path on the right-hand side and walk a few hundred metres to admire some stretches of the Balze surrounded by nature.

Now, the path enters a dirt road and continues without any change in altitude. When you reach a bridge, you can deviate to the left and climb a private, dirt road until you reach the top of a small hill (see map for further details). From here, one of the most impressive views of the Balze del Valdarno opens up, with undulating, cultivated terrain amidst tall, beautiful spires.

The impression one gets is that of being in one of the many American films with typical Grand Canyons, only here we find those structures in a green and unspoilt landscape that makes them even more fascinating.
By asking permission from the owners of the private house nearby, it is possible to continue for another few hundred metres and enter one of the inlets of the Balze.

Turning back and continuing to our left at the crossroads, we arrive at Botriolo, where the Fossate path ends and the Acqua Zolfina path begins.

The first part of the Acqua Zolfina path is located in a picturesque valley planted with vineyards and fruit trees, which create a beautiful and unique contrast with the yellow-orange colour of the Balze, which form the backdrop to this beautiful panorama.

Near the Agriturismo Le Balze, there is the possibility of taking a diversion and continuing on the Balze di Piantravigne path, which will take us to a high vantage point perfect for taking photographs of the entire Balze area below.

Continuing on the Sentiero dell’Acqua Zolfina instead, we see the valley narrowing, again accompanied by the yellow spires of the Balze. Here, we find another small diversions that leads us down to the Borro, where we find the source of the Acqua Zolfina, immediately recognisable by its strong smell of sulphur.

The last part of the path is inside the forest and no longer allows us to see the Balze that have accompanied us so far.

Going up the Acqua Zolfina path takes us back to the Setteponti, where we will also find the ancient Badia di Soffena, and then back to our starting point.

In the centre of Castelfranco you can take a walk and discover some of the secrets of this Terra Nuova Fiorentina > read more here.

Did you know this trekking path inside the Balze or have you walked it in the past? Let us know in the comments!