In Trentino water is everywhere. It comes down from the glaciers, runs through the woods and at some point throws itself down, forming waterfalls you hear long before you see them. The lovely thing is that many of these waterfalls are not reserved for mountaineers: a pair of comfortable shoes and a bit of willingness to walk are enough. In this guide we take you to discover seven waterfalls and gorges you can reach on foot, telling you honestly how long and how demanding each trail is. We at Italy Holiday have been welcoming guests to this land for a long time, and these are the water walks we would recommend to a friend on the way.

1. Cascate di Nardis, the 130-metre drop of Val Genova

The Cascate di Nardis are among the most spectacular in Trentino. They sit at the entrance to Val Genova, a side valley of Val Rendena, and the water comes from the Presanella glacier before plunging with a drop of over 130 metres. In spring the flow is stronger, in summer the water splits into several streams, and in winter the falls can turn into a great wall of ice.

Reaching them is simple. From the Ponte Verde car park it takes only a few minutes on foot to reach the first viewpoints, and in about twenty minutes, along a trail made of small bridges, you find yourself facing the main waterfall. For those with more time and trained legs, you can also walk up from Carisolo in about an hour. The closeness to the road makes this place suitable even for those not used to long excursions.

2. Cascate di Vallesinella, the three waterfalls in the woods

A few kilometres from Madonna di Campiglio, in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the Sarca di Vallesinella stream forms three groups of waterfalls set in a forest of firs and larches: the lower, middle and upper falls. The water rushes among the trees at around 1,550 metres, with the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites as a backdrop. It is one of the most loved spots in Val Rendena for a walk among water.

The starting point is the Rifugio Vallesinella, reached by car from Madonna di Campiglio along a road of about five kilometres, or by the park shuttle in the summer months, when car access may be regulated. From the refuge, the middle falls are a short descent through the woods of about twenty minutes, suitable even for children. If you want to climb to the upper falls the trail becomes steeper and uphill, well equipped but more demanding: in that case you need hiking footwear and a bit of breath.

3. Cascata di Lares, the white drop among the larches

We stay in Val Genova for the Cascata di Lares, where the Rio Lares comes down from the basin of Lake Lares and, crossing a dense conifer forest, splits into three close, foaming jumps. The name comes from the larch, the tree that dominates the woods around the stream. It is one of the most beautiful stops on the valley's famous Waterfall Trail.

It is reached from the Malga Genova car park, at about 1,115 metres, following the SAT trail number 214: in about half an hour of walking you reach the main viewpoint. The setting is mountainous, but the trail stays within reach of those used to walking on easy paths. Those who want to go further can continue towards Malga Lares, where the elevation gain increases and the terrain becomes more demanding.

4. Orrido di Ponte Alto, the gorge a short step from Trento

The Orrido di Ponte Alto is a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Fersina stream over thousands of years, a few minutes from the centre of Trento. In the sixteenth century imposing hydraulic works were built here to control the stream's floods: two historic dams today create waterfalls over forty metres high, in a setting of red rocks and spray.

It can be visited only with guided tours led by the staff of the Argentario Ecomuseum, a choice that protects safety and lets you grasp the geological and historical details of the site. The route winds along walkways and staircases inside the gorge and lasts about forty-five minutes: it is simple to walk, but because of the steps and the narrow spaces it is not accessible by wheelchair. It is best to check the current opening days and times on the official website before going.

5. Cascate di Stanghe, the canyon carved in white marble

The Cascate di Stanghe, in Val Racines near Vipiteno, hide a rarity: their gorge is the only one in Europe carved in white marble. The Rio Racines has cut its course inside an enormous block of pure marble, with shades that range from green to grey depending on the light and humidity. Walking inside here, between the water and the pale walls, is an experience different from any other waterfall in Trentino and South Tyrol.

The route runs along steps carved into the rock, bridges and wooden and metal walkways that cross the gorge from one side to the other. The elevation change is about 175 metres, tackled gradually, and in about an hour of walking you exit the gorge at the Ponte Giovo locality. It is suitable even for those who are not experienced hikers, with easier return variants. The best season runs from May to October, when the route is open.

6. Cascate di Riva, the three water drops of Campo Tures

Near Campo Tures, in the Aurina Valley, the Cascate di Riva are formed by the Riva stream, which swells when the Vedrette di Ries glacier partly melts. They are three waterfalls: the first about ten metres high, the second higher, and the third, truly impressive, with a drop of forty metres. All around there is a cool forest and the constant sound of water.

The three drops are reached along a gently rising trail in about forty minutes of walking. There is an easier variant, passable even with a pushchair and by wheelchair, that runs along the stream up to the first waterfall. The last stretch before the big waterfall climbs and is protected by a fence. The route crosses the St. Francis Trail, which continues beyond the third waterfall towards the chapel dedicated to St. Francis and St. Clare.

7. Cascate di Saent, the spectacle of Val di Rabbi

We close in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, in Val di Rabbi, a side valley of Val di Sole. Here the Rabbies stream forms the Cascate di Saent, with foaming water drops among larches and mountain meadows. Wooden walkways, steps and railings bring you close to the main drops without losing the force of the water, and a bridge in front of the main waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in the valley.

This trail is more demanding than the previous ones, of medium difficulty, suitable for those with a minimum of mountain habit. You start from the car park in the Coler locality, at about 1,380 metres, a few kilometres beyond the village of Piazzola, and climb towards Malga Stablasolo. After crossing the bridge over the Rabbies, you soon reach the first waterfall, then the trail continues uphill with hairpins protected by wooden railings up to the second. The loop takes about three hours of walking: it is not a stroll, but the scenery rewards every step.

Where to stay to discover the waterfalls of Trentino

If you look at the map of these seven waterfalls, you notice they split into two large areas. On one side Val Rendena with Val Genova, home to Nardis, Vallesinella and Lares, the most spectacular alpine falls. On the other the northern valleys, with Stanghe and Riva towards South Tyrol, and Val di Rabbi with Saent in Val di Sole. The Orrido di Ponte Alto, instead, is practically in Trento.

For the three Val Genova waterfalls, a base in Val Rendena or Val di Sole is the most convenient: in the morning you are already in the valley and spend the day among woods and water drops. From Trento, the Orrido di Ponte Alto is just a few minutes away, and it is a central base for moving around all of Trentino. If you prefer the warm lakes, the Valsugana around Caldonazzo, Levico and Pergine keeps you near the water for swimming and a couple of hours from the more distant waterfalls, a nice day trip. Rovereto and the Vigolana complete the picture to the south, handy for those who want to combine city, culture and nature.

We at Italy Holiday welcome guests in these areas, in homes designed to make you feel at home from the very first moment. If you dream of a holiday made of woods, trails and rushing water, discover where to stay nearby and pack your rucksack: the waterfalls of Trentino are waiting for you.

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