SAT / E299 - Rio Torto Path
Hiking trail • Valsugana, Lagorai, Vigolana and Valle dei Mocheni
SAT / E299 - Rio Torto Path
Historical path that descends the valley of the Rio Torto, an ancient connection between Val D'Astico and Alta Valsugana. It was mainly used by emigrants, smugglers, and, close to the Great War 1914-1918, by patrols controlling the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. In case of heavy rains, crossing the stream is not recommended.
<p>From Monterovere, from the devotional chapel of San Rocco, built in 1844 by the Community of Caldonazzo, take the path that descends into the fir forest and shortly leads to the Avéz del Prinzipe, (or Prìnzep), monumental white fir, unique in Europe, over 54 meters tall. We follow a comfortable path along the Biotope of Malga Laghetto until reaching the old tourist complex of Malga Laghetto.</p> <p>We go around the urbanized area and take the paved road that descends to the sewage treatment plant. From there begins the forest road of Rio Torto, once an Austrian military road, which descends along the valley until near the old border. After some hairpin bends, almost at the end of the road, a path begins that gradually descends to the riverbed of the stream, usually dry in this part.</p> <p>We ford it several times and, in an intact and wild environment, surrounded by steep and rugged slopes, we pass through the localities La Stretta, La Parada, and La Stala, until reaching the place called Le Trincee, where on the right bank branches off the CAI path 598, an important connection to climb to the above position called Eck delle Albarèle (see it. 297 and 297A) and to Forte Belvedere. After fording the stream for the last time, we arrive at loc. Sella del Cavallo, where we find the junction indicating path 298 for Masetti. From here, continue along the valley floor on path CAI 599 which in less than an hour leads to the hamlet of Brancafòra di Pedemonte in Val d'Astico. </p>