The slopes around Soveria Mannelli are covered in some of the finest chestnut forests in Calabria. In autumn the forest floor turns to gold and the air smells of wood smoke and damp earth; mushroom foragers come out in force and the market fills with porcini and ovoli. In summer the trees provide deep shade and the paths through them are cool even when the Calabrian coast below is sweltering.
There are several marked walking trails starting from the edge of town. The easiest leads through the chestnut wood and up to a viewpoint looking east toward the Sila plateau. The harder routes head deeper into the hills; ask at the municipio or a local bar for current trail conditions. Walking shoes are sufficient for the easier paths; proper boots are recommended if you are going higher.