Lago di Giacopiane, lake in Italy
Lago di Giacopiane is an artificial reservoir in the Aveto Regional Natural Park, set above the town of Borzonasca in Liguria. A mostly flat walking trail runs around the entire shoreline and can be completed in about an hour on foot.
The reservoir was built as a water storage facility and later became part of the Aveto Regional Natural Park, which protects the surrounding forests and wildlife. The landscape around it still shows traces of older farming practices, including chestnut groves and stone terraces.
The shores of the lake are shared with herds of Bardigiano horses, an Italian breed that has adapted to life in the mountains. Visitors walking the perimeter often come across these animals grazing freely, making the visit feel closer to a nature encounter than a typical lake walk.
The lake is only reachable by car, and a daily road pass must be purchased at local bars in Borzonasca and left visible on the dashboard. The last section of the road is partly unpaved and closed to recreational vehicles, so come prepared with enough water and suitable footwear.
Since 2012, the Wild Horse Watching project has offered guided outings to observe the Bardigiano horses around the lake in their natural setting. This breed, originally developed for agricultural work in the northern Apennines, now lives freely on these slopes year-round.
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