On the Trail of the Gold Hunters

A journey into the land of Piedmontese gold

On the Trail of the Gold Hunters is a series of guided excursions held in Casaleggio Boiro, a small village in the Ovada area of the Alessandria province, in southern Piedmont. The initiative takes nature and history enthusiasts on a journey to discover the ancient gold mines and auriferous deposits of the Laghi della Lavagnina, a site of extraordinary geological and historical value nestled within the Capanne di Marcarolo Natural Park.

The gold mines of the Lavagnina

The landscape around the Laghi della Lavagnina has been shaped by centuries of mining activity. The oldest traces date back to the Roman era, when piles of pebbles stacked along the streams already testified to the search for alluvial gold. Full-scale extraction developed from the end of the 16th century and continued until the mid-19th century, before the tunnels were gradually abandoned. Restored and secured, the M1 and M13 mines, located near the Ferriere Superiori farmhouse, can now only be visited with a guide along a hiking loop that connects the two sites.

How the excursion works

Each session begins with a meeting in Casaleggio Boiro, in front of the local tobacco shop, followed by an independent transfer by private vehicle to the Laghi della Lavagnina. From there, the hike begins—covering approximately 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of +207 meters and an 'E' (hiking) difficulty rating—lasting about five and a half hours in total. Along the way, the guide explains the local mining history, leads the group inside the tunnels, and offers a gold-panning demonstration in the streams, recreating the ancient work of the prospectors.

An experience between nature and memory

In the Capanne di Marcarolo Park, one of the largest protected areas in Piedmont, the excursion combines landscape, geology, and local storytelling. The mining tunnels have also become a refuge for underground biodiversity, particularly bats, adding a naturalistic dimension to the adventure. It is a unique opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of the municipality of Casaleggio Boiro and the Ovada area, far from mass tourism circuits.

Who is it for?

• Hiking and nature enthusiasts
• Those curious about mining history and geology
• Families and groups looking for an outdoor experience
• Visitors who want to try their hand at gold panning in the streams

The excursions are led by a certified hiking guide and organized as part of the activities of the Management Body for the Protected Areas of the Piedmontese Apennines, in collaboration with local tourism entities in the Ovada area.