The Parco naturale di Sasso Tignoso-Monte Cantiere-Piane di Mocogno occupies an area of 10,700 hectares on the spur which forms the watershed between the Secchia and Panaro rivers, and can be reached along the via Vandelli, the old route between Modena and Tuscany, now a bridle-way. It contains the remains of one of the most ancient Apennine forests, with evergreens alternating with beeches, shrubs and meadows. The main species of Apennine flowers are found here, including medicinal herbs.

As well as the flora and fauna of the zone, the Park is also intended to protect the historic remains it contains, such as the stone huts at Casoni, near S.Andrea Pelago, and the ancient examples of traditional mountain architecture at Cavergiumine. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy visiting i Cinghi, near Boccasuolo, with its abandoned Nineteenth Century mine workings.

The Selva di Monfestino-Bucamante , classified as a site of special scientific interest in 1976, occupies an area of about 1500 hectares above the Nuova Estense road a few kilometres above Torre Maina.

Pavullo, approached from the Nuova Estense road through a dense wood of firs, is of interest to the naturalist for two reasons. The first is the Parco del Palazzo Ducale, which contains trees of several species of note, including cedars (one truly gigantic), sequoias, yews and pines of various types. The Frignano Natural History Museum, also well worth a visit, contains many exhibits of the local flora and fauna, and also illustrates the geology and origins of the Frignano region. The Parco regionale dell'alto Appennino modenese was created in 1990 to protect an area of outstanding natural beauty of great importance for its flora and fauna. The new park covers an area of about 15,000 hectares of high mountain land near the towns of Fanano, Sestola, Montecreto, Riolunato, Pievepelago, Fiumalbo and Frassinoro.

Visitors' centres are planned at Fanano and Fiumalbo *.