The Vallesinella waterfalls are Madonna di Campiglio's water outing: a series of drops and veils falling over moss-covered rock, inside a dense wood of beech and spruce that keeps things cool even on the hottest summer days. They come in three groups along the stream: the upper falls (cascate Alte), the middle falls and the lower falls, linked by woodland trails you can combine however you like, from a one-hour stroll to a half-day full circuit.
The curious thing is where all this water comes from. It's karst water: the rain and snow of the Brenta Group vanish into the cracks of the limestone high up and resurface here, in a series of springs feeding the Vallesinella stream. That's why the falls are at their most generous in early summer, with the thaw, and why the water stays icy and crystal clear all year round. The middle falls, with their broad veils stepping down through the green, are the most photographed and also the easiest to reach.
The starting point is Rifugio Vallesinella, at around 1,500 metres, where the road up from Madonna di Campiglio ends. Watch the summer logistics: the road has restricted access, the car park fills early and at peak times cars are turned away. In high season the smart move is the shuttle from Campiglio, frequent and hassle free. Vallesinella is also where the most popular trails into the heart of the Brenta begin, from Rifugio Casinei up to the Tuckett and the Brentei.
The waterfall circuit is described step by step in our guide to the [Vallesinella waterfalls trail](/itinerari/sentiero-cascate-vallesinella): a woodland loop that works for families too, with a few stretches of steps and wet walkways where all you need is a little care. Bring shoes with a decent sole and a fleece even in August, because the air near the falls is cool and damp. In exchange you get one of the most luxuriant corners of the Adamello Brenta Park, a stone's throw from one of the most fashionable resorts in the Dolomites.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Vallesinella waterfalls?
From Madonna di Campiglio you go up to Rifugio Vallesinella, at around 1,500 metres, where the trails to the three groups of falls begin. In summer the road has restricted access: when the car park is full, cars are stopped, so in high season it's best to use the shuttle from the village.
How long is the walk to the falls?
It depends how much you want to walk: the middle falls are a short half hour from the car park, while the full loop taking in the upper, middle and lower falls needs two to three hours at an easy pace. The trails run through the wood, with steps and walkways on the steeper sections.
Are the Vallesinella waterfalls suitable for children?
Yes, it's one of the most family-friendly outings in the Campiglio area. The stretches near the falls have steps and walkways that can be slippery, so you need shoes with a good sole and an eye on the little ones, but there are no difficult passages.
When is the best time to see the falls?
From late May to July, when the thaw swells the karst springs and the falls are at their best. In high summer the wood gives you cool shade, and in autumn the beeches turn everything red and gold. In winter the road is closed and the frozen falls can only be reached on foot or with snowshoes.