Lake Antrona is located in the province of Verbania at about 1,200 meters of altitude. It is a small alpine lake that takes the name of the valley that hosts it.
A truly evocative and unspoiled place, a jewel of turquoise waters set in nature, and also a perfect destination to enjoy beautiful hikes in Piedmont. To fully experience its splendor, we recommend wearing the right mountain hiking shoes and taking the ring route that surrounds the lake.
Most of the path is flat, making it easy and suitable for everyone. Following the route, you will reach a small bridge from which you can admire a waterfall flowing into the lake. To see it from an even more stunning viewpoint, climb the steps next to the waterfall, but be careful because the path is not entirely safe—protect your ankles with the right hiking shoes.
The steps alternate between stone stairways and iron stairs, passing under the Sajont Waterfall, and shortly after continuing along a walkway suspended over the lake that offers a breathtaking landscape. After completing this section, the descent begins to return to the starting point. But before that, don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing and regenerating swim.
If you love walking while admiring breathtaking landscapes, this is the place for you!
The three most beautiful hikes in Piedmont
Piedmont – A powerful land that unleashes its wild spirit, enchanting everyone who crosses it.
The storyline flows like a raging river, across glaciers, cliffs and canyons, waterfalls and lush national parks. It thickens among the branches of the woods, only to explode into picturesque valleys decorated with water mirrors and rice fields against the backdrop of the Alps.
In this splendid setting, we have selected three hikes in Piedmont suitable for everyone and particularly impressive. If you are eager to lose yourself in this dreamland, only to find yourself regenerated and enriched, follow our tips carefully.
WALK TO LAKE ALPE DEI CAVALLI
DURATION: 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES
TOTAL DISTANCE: 11.8 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 700 M
STARTING POINT: ALPE CHEGGIO
RECOMMENDED SHOE: RUSH 2 GTX
Here is the perfect place for beautiful hikes in Piedmont.
In the Antrona Valley Natural Park, in the Ossola area, there is a truly wonderful turquoise-colored body of water, Lake Alpe dei Cavalli. What makes this lake so evocative is precisely the color of its waters, such an intense blue that it seems unreal.
This vivid shade is the distinctive feature of its origin, as it is located inside the basin of an ancient glacial lake. Due to the erosion of its natural embankment, the lake disappeared, becoming a swampy plain.
Thanks to the construction of a dam in 1926, the lake we see today was formed.
The name “Lake of Horses” derives from the fact that, before the dam was built, animals such as horses and mules were brought here to graze, as they were used to transport goods between the valleys. The surrounding mountains and trees frame this little corner of paradise.
It is the ideal destination for wonderful trekking suitable for everyone, as long as you have the right hiking shoes with you.
You can start with a walk on the dam, or take the entire ring trail around the lake, which is the longest but also the most beautiful. The route begins by following the “Lake Tour” sign, located just before the dam, on the right bank of the lake.
This place is a must-see destination for hikers and nature lovers.
WALK IN THE MARGUAREIS NATURAL PARK
DURATION: SHORTEST ROUTE 2 HOURS
TOTAL DISTANCE: 8 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 286 M
STARTING POINT: RIFUGIO PIAN DELLE GORRE
RECOMMENDED SHOE: MORAINE GTX
Do you feel like taking a walk in close contact with nature in Piedmont?
Then you are in the right place!
We are in the province of Cuneo, in the Marguareis Natural Park, a protected natural area that covers part of the Pesio Valley and the Upper Tanaro Valley.
There are many initiatives and activities to do in the different seasons. Get your proper hiking shoes ready because you will find marked trails and itineraries for every level of difficulty. In the warmer season, you can take a ring excursion that will allow you to admire the water as it dances into wonderful waterfalls.
The itinerary starts from Rifugio Pian delle Gorre in Chiusa di Pesio and leads you to the Gias Fontana and Saut waterfalls.
The shortest route is about 8 kilometers long and takes roughly a couple of hours. In winter, on the other hand, you can go on excursions with skis or snowshoes, starting from Villaggio d’Ardua in Chiusa Pesio.
In the hamlet of San Bartolomeo there is a cross-country ski track which, with a 22-kilometer itinerary, reaches the Certosa di Pesio, then climbs back to Villaggio d’Ardua and finally arrives at Rifugio Pian delle Gorre.
The perfect place to spend a day outdoors with family and friends.
WALK TO LAKE ANTRONA
DURATION: 1 HOUR
TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.5 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 320 M
STARTING POINT: RIFUGIO PIAN DELLE GORRE
RECOMMENDED SHOE: MOJITO HIKE GTX
Texts by Roby and Max, purchase their complete guide!
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