Lake Baccio is the second largest Apennine lake in the Province of Modena, after nearby Lake Santo or Holy Lake
It is formed in a basin which is highly significant environmentally, and is renowned amongst history enthusiasts thanks to numerous archaeological finds made in the vicinity.
Its origins are still uncertain but are presumably glacial.
It has an unusual oval shape, the only one of its kind in the northern Apennines, and is situated at 1,554 metres above sea level.
It is a medium-sized lake, reaching a depth of 5 metres in the centre, but with the autumn rain or spring thaw the water levels can rise by two metres or so.
The Baccio mountain stream flows out of the lake, joining the Terzino dyke, with which it forms one of the main tributaries of the River Tagliole.
As you can see from the photos, it is remarkably beautiful, and is a must-see in the vicinity of Pievepelago, and indeed in the wider area of the Modena Apennines.
Once you have reached the lake, you can either return to the starting point or continue in the direction of Mount Rondinaio and Mount Giovo.
Getting here
To reach Lake Baccio, you can leave your car at the Lago Santo car park and from there follow one of the routes that will take you to the lake.
