Foliage in Carnia

The valley of Sappada

1. The trail to the small Zieglhutte lake

Suggested for families with children. It is surrounded by fir and larch forests which have the spectacular Pesarine Dolomites as a backdrop.
Details: from the parking lot near the sawmill next to the camper area, beyond the church of Santa Margherita in the centre of Sappada, the route, which is without any difficulties, follows the banks of the Rio Storto reaching the lake area in about 15 minutes of pleasant walking. Almost no elevation gain.

2. The trail to the Monte Ferro refuge

A hike requiring little physical effort that offers excellent views of Sappada. On the ascent, you can appreciate the splendid scenery of the valley through the widespread larch forests.
Details: from the Granvilla hamlet near Sappada, the refuge is reached in roughly 1.00 hour of climbing following CAI trail 141, with an elevation gain of approximately 400 metres. The degree of difficulty is moderate (Italian CAI level E).

3. Bellavista Cabin

A peaceful walk for everyone. It offers a spectacular view of the Sappada valley where autumn colours are gifted by the meadows and larches of the area.
Details: from the square of Cima Sappada, continue through the village toward the road leading to the springs of the Piave River (signposts are on site). A few hundred meters beyond the village, on the right, a dirt road leads uphill to the cabin.
The degree of difficulty is moderate (Italian CAI level E). The average hiking time is 0.45 hours, with an elevation gain of approximately 230 metres.

The area of Forni Avoltri

1. Volaia Lake

This is one of the most fascinating Carnic locations. The contrast between the blue waters, the meadows of the surrounding ridges, the whiteness of the rocks, and the distant yellow of the larches will deliver unforgettable sensations.
Details: Lake Volaia is accessible from the Tolazzi Refuge, in Collina di Forni Avoltri, by hiking up CAI trail 144 in roughly 1.45 hours, covering 600 meters of elevation gain.

Discover Volaia Lake

2. Bordaglia Lake

One of the most beautiful sites in Friuli Venezia Giulia to enjoy the autumn atmosphere. Up there, the waters of the lake endlessly reflect the blazing colours of the larches, warming both heart and soul.
Details: Lake Bordaglia can be reached from Pierabech, near Forni Avoltri. Following the signposts of CAI trail 141 and then CAI trail 142 the basin of the lake is reached in roughly 2.30 hours over 900 metres of elevation gain.

Discover Bordaglia Lake

Tagliamento and Degano Valley

1. Pani loop trail

One of the most rewarding panoramic hikes within the Carnic district, embraced by widespread beech forests and the monumental Solitarias Tree, which is the symbol of Pani.
Details: from the locality of Forca di Pani, accessible from the hamlet of Voltois di Ampezzo, follow CAI trail 221, which passes through woods and clearings to the asphalt road. On the descending stretch along the same road, the trail leads to the opposite slope in view of the monumental beech of Pani, and, at the next junction, bearing to the right, you will return to the starting point. The degree of difficulty is moderate (Italian CAI level E). The hiking time is roughly 3.00 hours, with a total elevation gain of approximately 200 metres.

Discover Casa Montana Collegentile Refuge

2. Arzino waterfalls

In autumn, this corner of paradise is impressed in the eyes of those who visit it. Against the blazing backdrop of the beech trees, the crystal-clear water of the Arzino makes its way through plunges and carpets of verdant moss. These are contrasts that simply must be experienced first-hand.
Details: the trail starts from the parking lot near Sella Chiampon beyond the village of Pozzis. Travelling from Sella Chianzutan, the route branches off the main road at the fifth hairpin bend; the parking lot is located on the left just before the end of the forest. The waterfall route runs alongside the cascades that the torrent makes as it flows into the Arzino Valley. It is advisable to make the return journey following the same itinerary. The degree of difficulty is moderate (Italian CAI level E). The hiking time is roughly 1.00 hour, with a total elevation gain of approximately 350 metres.

Discover the springs of the Arzino stream

3. The bandit forest of Cleulis

The magic of walking on the ancient Roman route to Noricum while nature surrounds and cradles you on this hike just a stone's throw from the Italian-Austrian border. This loop is dedicated to intermediate-trained trekkers.
Details: the circuit starts near the Moscarda tower, just beyond the village of Paluzza. After crossing the typical pedestrian-bike bridge, follow the remains of the Roman road (CAI marker 161) along woods and meadows to the village of Cleulis. Past the hamlet of Placcis the trail veers right toward the valley. Once you have reached the street below, cross-state road 52bis in order to reach the Pakai café, and then head back, along the Moscardo dirt road, to the starting point. The loop trail’s hiking time is roughly 4.00 hours, the degree of difficulty is moderate (Italian CAI level E), and it features a total elevation gain of approximately 400 metres.

Download the GPS track of the itinerary