The Brattello Forest extends along the northern border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, between the mountain passes of Brattello and Borgallo, along ancient natural routes frequented since prehistoric times and later developed in the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries as connections between the Duchy of Parma, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and the possessions of the Malaspina family.

Today, the Forest is the undisputed heritage of the Tuscany Region and is managed, by delegation, by the Union of Municipalities of Lunigiana. The forest complex covers an area of 322 hectares: originally occupied by pastures and coppice woods, the area underwent reforestation with conifers and broadleaf trees in the early decades of the 20th century; today it features black pines, beeches, chestnuts, and oaks.

Hares, deer, wild boar, and foxes are common in the area, while the red squirrel can be spotted in the coniferous and broadleaf forests. More difficult to encounter are the porcupine, badger, weasel, marten, and the very timid skunk. Among the numerous woodland birds, rare species such as the corn bunting, the short-toed snake eagle, the buzzard, and the sparrowhawk stand out.

The Brattello Forest is crossed by a network of trails that intertwine with the Great Apennine Excursion, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, the Sentiero Italia, and the Via degli Abati, a high medieval route of about 125 km used by the monks of San Colombano of Bobbio (PC) to cross the Apennines.

Within the Forest, there are numerous paths and loops, interspersed with resting areas, that wind through the vegetation, ideal for walking, snowshoeing, or cycling in all seasons.