Alta Valle Antrona Natural Park, Nature reserve in Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy.
Alta Valle Antrona Natural Park is a protected alpine area covering approximately 7,400 hectares and ranging from 500 to 3,656 meters in elevation. The territory includes several high-altitude lakes such as Camposecco and Cingino that can be reached via marked hiking trails.
The park was established by the Piedmont Region in December 2009, covering 7,444 hectares from the valley floor near Viganella at 500 m up to Pizzo d'Andolla at 3,656 m. Past mining and later hydroelectric development shaped the area, but its natural environment remains largely intact. Four artificial reservoirs sit at altitude, while Lake Antrona below was formed by a landslide in 1642.
The park's name comes from the Antrona valley, a side valley of the Ossola. Its grazing slopes and high pastures were used seasonally by herders from Viganella and Antrona Schieranco before the protected area was created in December 2009. The park is managed by the Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette dell'Ossola, the same body responsible for the Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero parks.
Domodossola is the main gateway for accessing the park's network of trails. It is advisable to come prepared with sturdy gear and plan to hike in groups, as the mountain routes can be demanding.
Lake Cingino, one of three reservoirs above the park feeding the Rovesca power station, is known for the ibex that climb its dam. The lake lies within the protected area, and a bivouac stands near its shore for those who stay overnight.
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