The Gorg d'Abiss waterfall in Ledro Valley

In the beautiful Ledro Valley, and more precisely near the village of Tiarno di Sotto, lies a corner of paradise far from the frenetic mass tourism. In this article I will take you on a discovery of the suggestive Gorg d'Abiss waterfall and the ancient Roman bridge of Croina.

The Ledro Valley, surrounded by the majestic mountains of Trentino, is a true naturalistic jewel, only a few kilometres from Lake Garda, an ideal place for those who love hiking and walking in contact with nature.

This valley is also home of the stunning Lake Ledro, a place that has been inhabited since prehistoric times and became famous in 1929, when more than 10,000 wooden piles dating back to the Bronze Age were discovered thanks to a lowering of its waters.

At the Municipality of Ledro in the locality of Molina, it is possible to visit the Lake Ledro Pile-Dwelling Museum. Here are exhibited archaeological finds of rare beauty, useful to better understand how our primitive ancestors lived.

The Massangla stream and the Gorg d'Abiss waterfall.

The natural process that leads to the formation of a waterfall occurs when water from a river or stream encounters a difference in level in its path and falls into the void. This difference in height can be caused by a geological variation, such as harder rock resisting erosion, while less substantial material is carried away by the water. With the slow passage of time, the erosive action of the water digs deeper and deeper, accentuating the difference in height and thus creating a waterfall.

The Gorg d'Abiss waterfall, literally 'abyss vortex', was also formed over the centuries due to this slow natural process, caused by the erosive action of the Massangla stream. This watercourse originates from Monte Nozzolo at an altitude of about 1,927 metres above sea level and, crossing the Val di Croina, flows into the nearby Lake Ledro, near the village of Pieve di Ledro.

To reach the Gorg d'Abiss waterfall by car, simply follow the road signs leading from Riva del Garda to Lake Ledro. From here, proceed along the Strada Statale 240 in the direction of Bezzecca and then to Tiarno di Sotto, more precisely to the small car park located in Via Všeň. From this point onwards, continue on foot, following the signs to the waterfall.

In the initial section, the trail passes near the Mulino dei Bugatini, an old mill (now a private home) that has retained its original features to the present day. Subsequently, the path enters a forest, following the course of the Massangla stream with small ups and downs, until the narrow canyon where the Gorg d'Abiss waterfall can be admired.

This excursion lasts about forty minutes (round trip), is not particularly difficult and is suitable for everyone, even families with children.

The Roman Bridge at Croina.

A very interesting aspect of this itinerary lies in the possibility of extending our hike by a few kilometres and taking a splendid loop route that leads us to admire the ancient Roman bridge of Croina.

During the Roman Empire, the Ledro Valley was an important transit point between nearby Lake Garda and other Alpine valleys. The Romans built roads and settlements in this area, making it a strategic point for trade and military control. Traces of their presence are still visible today, through archaeological remains and ancient infrastructure such as the Roman Bridge of Croina.

Starting on foot from the car park in Via Všeň, we walk back to the junction with Via di S. Giorgio and then uphill on an asphalt road into the forest. Keeping a good pace, we soon arrive at St. George's Church, which dates back to the 1400s and is located at a panoramic viewpoint at an altitude of approximately 860 metres. In the small square in front of the church, there are a couple of tables and some benches.

From this point onwards, the forest road climbs steadily and passes old barns and small clearings through the forest. After about two kilometres there are the first signs for the Roman bridge at Croina, which is reached by turning right along a steep path that descends towards the valley.

The bridge is surrounded by dense vegetation and overhangs the Massangla stream, which forms a waterfall at that very narrow point. Afterwards, the path continues downhill out of the forest and leads us along Via a la Van back to Via di S. Giorgio and then to Via Všeň, where the car park is located.

As a last stop before returning home, I recommend you stop and visit the parish church of San Bartolomeo in Tiarno di Sotto, which dates back to the 12th century. A curious fact concerns the bell tower of this church, which is considered the highest in Trentino together with the bell tower of Pinzolo, both measuring about 72 metres in height.

This longer and slightly more demanding excursion requires a minimum of physical preparation, but does not present any particular problems. It covers a distance of just under 7 kilometres, which can be covered in about three hours.

Before venturing into the mountains, remember to take the necessary equipment with you, dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes. Check the weather conditions before setting off and always respect the natural environment.

With these last recommendations, I bid you farewell and wish you a wonderful excursion.

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How to get to the Gorg d'Abiss Waterfall

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