Hike on the “Sentiero del Mondino” Trail

Passing the small village of Fondo in the Val di Non we drive until the Smeraldo Lake, where we can leave our car at a parking space. The “Sentiero del Mondino” trail (no. 522) starts at the main street and leads us directly into a shady wood. At the industrial area of Fondo we turn into a steep trail down to the ravine that runs along a small stream with many small cascades. The trail is very slippery at some sections and leads us over stones and bridges. At the lowest point we finally reach the Novella brook. Looking up we can see the steep cliffs we are going to climb.

On our way up beside the brook we pass a small electric power station and cross the brook on a bridge. We continue our tour in the opposite direction, down the brook. After about 20 minutes we reach a steep track with steps and secured ropes that leads us up the cliffs. Again and again we stop to enjoy the great view of the ravine. Continuing our tour on trail no. 522 (“Sentiero del Mondino”) we cross a wood until we finally reach the village of Dovena.

In Dovena we stop at a well in order to drink some clean refreshing water. Continuing our tour on an old path, which leads us to the main street, we keep to the left and follow the street until we soon reach a small track leading us into the wood. Crossing meadows and fruit orchards we finally reach the village of Fondo. In the centre of Fondo (at the church) we follow the signpost “Canyon del Rio Novella“ back to the Smeraldo Lake.

Please note: the parking space near the Smeraldo Lake is free of charge and big enough for many cars. We recommend you to do this hiking tour on a hot summer day when you can enjoy the refreshing air in the ravine. There are some climbing routes on the steep mountain cliffs (technical climbing equipment is absolutely required).

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Please note: The section between the village of Dovena and Lake Smeraldo is currently not passable. (updated to December 2024)

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Author: ED