Our hike runs along the Sentiero del Mondino to the Rio Novella, returning to Lago Smeraldo in the Val di Non
Image gallery: Hike on the “Sentiero del Mondino”
We start our hike in the small village of Fondo in the Val di Non. We drive to Lago Smeraldo, where we park our car. The Sentiero del Mondino (trail no. 522), begins directly on the strada statale (state road) to Passo Palade, initially across a wood. We follow the signposts to the industrial district (zona artigianale) of Fondo, where we turn right and descend towards the Val Combra. The path is very steep and slippery due to dry leaves and stones, so caution is recommended. We walk downhill until we reach the lowest point of the gorge, where the Rio Novella flows in front of us. We look up to see a steep wall with an iron staircase, which we must climb to proceed.
We continue our hike northwards along the stream until we arrive at a hydroelectric plant, where a bridge spans the water. After crossing the bridge, we proceed southwards. After about 20 minutes, we reach a path with an initial short section of debris, leading towards a rock wall. Fixed staircases and ropes ensure safety while crossing this section. We follow the signposts for the "Sentiero del Mondino", eventually reaching a wood on the hill and then the village of Dovena.
The trail proceeds through the village, where we drink fresh water from a beautiful fountain. After a short break, we continue on the path leading to the strada statale. We keep to the left and after a short section on the strada statale, we reach a path leading us back into the wood. We eventually walk to the village of Fondo, crossing meadows and fruit orchards. Once in the village centre, we follow the signposts for "Canyon del Rio Novella". The path begins near the parish church and leads to Lago Smeraldo.
The car park near Lago Smeraldo is free. We recommend undertaking this hike during the summer months, as most of the path leads through the forest and the cool canyon.
Please note: The section between the village of Dovena and Lago Smeraldo is currently impassable.
Author: ED
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- Starting point:
- Smeraldo Lake
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- Time required:
- 03:10 h
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- Track length:
- 8,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 809 m to 1.046 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +746 m | -746 m
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- Route:
- Smeraldo Lake - Sentiero del Mondino - Rio Novella - Dovena - Fondo - Smeraldo Lake Canyon - Smeraldo Lake
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- Signposts:
- Sentiero del Mondino, 522 (Please note: The section between the village of Dovena and Lake Smeraldo is currently not passable)
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- Resting points:
- in the villages Dovena and Fondo, Smeraldo Lake
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike on the “Sentiero del Mondino”
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
