Sentiero delle Cascate del Perino (Perino Falls trail) is one of the most suggestive paths in Piacenza province. Up to this point, Perino stream flows slow and quiet, but when it reaches its middle course it shows its most harsh characteristics as its narrows down in a gorge.
Here begins the most suggestive part of the valley, where the stratified rock presents a dozen of gaps that the stream overcomes in natural falls, of which the highest reaches 17 metres.
There is a path marked with clear signs, recently equipped with benches and railings that helps visitors enjoy the impetuous falls of the stream. One of the stopovers along the path is Mulino di Riè, a typical rural architecture witnessing one of the ancient activities carried out in this area in the past. Along Perino stream there once were several mills, which blades functioned with channeled water.
The trail begins at Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Calenzano, near Bettola (it is possible to drive until Le Cascate agritourism, but there is no public parking there), and is clearly signalled with the CAI number 155 (white or red marks) all along except for a brief trait on its way back.
Beyond Le Cascate agritourism there is the first fall (this cannot be visited due to a recent landslide), then the ancient Mulino di Riè. The trail reaches all five falls and after the last fall cotinue straight, then turn slight left to walk on an untarmacked road that will take you back to the start.
This trekking trail is about 7 km long on untarmacked road or in the wood.
Timing: 2 hours and 30 minutes
