THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle a family-friendly stretch of the Serchio River and end beneath the dramatic arches of Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge). This 90-minute guided trip pairs easy paddling with scenic photo opportunities in Tuscany’s Garfagnana foothills.
Paddle a family-friendly stretch of the Serchio River and end beneath the dramatic arches of Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge). This 90-minute guided trip pairs easy paddling with scenic photo opportunities in Tuscany’s Garfagnana foothills.
River noise and bird calls fill the air as you step out of the rafting center and into a lineup of helmets and bright life jackets. The guide’s briefing is brisk — how to hold a paddle, basic strokes, and the safety call that will keep a family group together — then the vans take you to the Serchio River boarding point.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lucca Rafting · Borgo a Mozzano, Tuscany
River noise and bird calls fill the air as you step out of the rafting center and into a lineup of helmets and bright life jackets. The guide’s briefing is brisk — how to hold a paddle, basic strokes, and the safety call that will keep a family group together — then the vans take you to the Serchio River boarding point.
The route finishes beneath the curved arches of Ponte della Maddalena, the so-called Devil’s Bridge, a medieval span that looms over a channel cut through foothills of the northern Apennines. The river here is shaped by limestone and gravel; short riffles and slower pools alternate, creating playground-style water that’s forgiving for first-time paddlers. Culturally the area sits on the edge of Garfagnana and the province of Lucca, where stone villages, chestnut woods, and agricultural terraces speak to centuries of rural life.
Expect a 90-minute shared excursion that prioritizes safety and photo stops. Guides provide helmet, life jacket, paddle and packraft; no prior experience is required, though basic mobility helps when entering and exiting boats. The pace is family-friendly but active — short stretches of paddling separated by calm windows to take in the bridge and riverbanks.
Practical notes: arrive with water, layered clothing, and footwear that grips wet rocks. Morning departures are cooler and calmer; avoid heavy rain when river levels rise. This trip is a compact, low-commitment way to pair outdoor time with one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric stone bridges.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to walk on uneven ground and paddle for sustained short bursts.
Yes; the operator markets the experience as family-friendly. Children should be comfortable with a short water activity and under adult supervision in the shared tour.
Guides supply helmets, life jackets, paddles and packrafts; guests should bring footwear, sun protection and a drink.
Most travelers arrive by car to the rafting center; public transport options exist nearby but check schedules for connections to Lucca or Borgo a Mozzano and allow extra transfer time.
Full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure; trips may be canceled or rescheduled for bad weather or low participation.
Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge) dates back to medieval times and is linked to regional legends; it has long served as a river crossing on trade routes through the Serchio valley.
The Serchio basin supports local agriculture and tourism; stick to banks and marked access points to minimize erosion and disturbance to aquatic habitat.
Lucca Rafting operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
River noise and bird calls fill the air as you step out of the rafting center and into a lineup of helmets and bright life jackets. The guide’s briefing is brisk — how to hold a paddle, basic strokes, and the safety call that will keep a family group together — then the vans take you to the Serchio River boarding point.
River noise and bird calls fill the air as you step out of the rafting center and into a lineup of helmets and bright life jackets. The guide’s briefing is brisk — how to hold a paddle, basic strokes, and the safety call that will keep a family group together — then the vans take you to the Serchio River boarding point.
The route finishes beneath the curved arches of Ponte della Maddalena, the so-called Devil’s Bridge, a medieval span that looms over a channel cut through foothills of the northern Apennines. The river here is shaped by limestone and gravel; short riffles and slower pools alternate, creating playground-style water that’s forgiving for first-time paddlers. Culturally the area sits on the edge of Garfagnana and the province of Lucca, where stone villages, chestnut woods, and agricultural terraces speak to centuries of rural life.
Expect a 90-minute shared excursion that prioritizes safety and photo stops. Guides provide helmet, life jacket, paddle and packraft; no prior experience is required, though basic mobility helps when entering and exiting boats. The pace is family-friendly but active — short stretches of paddling separated by calm windows to take in the bridge and riverbanks.
Practical notes: arrive with water, layered clothing, and footwear that grips wet rocks. Morning departures are cooler and calmer; avoid heavy rain when river levels rise. This trip is a compact, low-commitment way to pair outdoor time with one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric stone bridges.