The best hiking routes in Riserva naturale speciale Confluenza del Sesia e del Grana

The Riserva naturale speciale Confluenza del Sesia e del Grana covers a low-lying river junction where the Sesia and Grana streams meet the Po. This is a flat, dynamic floodplain landscape shaped by seasonal water levels, characterized by gravel beds, sandy banks, and dense riparian woodland. You will not find dramatic hills or panoramic mountain views here; instead, the scenery consists of willow thickets, poplars, and open shingle beaches that shift after high water.

Walking here means navigating a mix of dirt tracks, grassy paths, and loose river gravel. The underfoot conditions are typical of a river basin, with soft silt near the water and firmer earthen tracks further back among the trees. In late spring, around May, the gravel banks are particularly distinct before summer vegetation takes over, while autumn brings a thick layer of leaf litter to the woodland paths.

This reserve is less about structured hiking trails and more about exploring a working river ecosystem. The paths are often quiet, used mainly by local anglers and birdwatchers. It is a place to observe how a river constantly reshapes its own banks, rather than a destination for manicured park walks.