The Vallesinella waterfalls trail is the coolest, freshest outing you can do from Madonna di Campiglio. The water here doesn't come down from a glacier in plain sight: it rises from the karst depths of the Brenta, resurfaces among the rocks and plunges in three groups of falls, the upper, the middle and the lower, set in a wood of beech and spruce that is a blessing in summer.
Your base is Rifugio Vallesinella, at 1,513 metres, reached by car or by shuttle from Campiglio. From there a well-marked loop links the three sets of falls with wooden walkways, flights of steps and stretches of woodland trail. The middle falls are a few minutes from the car park, the upper falls ask for the steepest climb, and the lower falls reveal themselves on the way down inside a gorge green with moss.
It's the classic half-day outing that keeps everyone happy: kids have fun among footbridges and spray, photographers get silky water and light filtered through the trees, and if you want more walking you can carry on from here towards Rifugio Casinei and the high trails of the Brenta.
How to get there — Rifugio Vallesinella (1,513 m)
From Madonna di Campiglio a narrow road of about 4 km climbs to the Rifugio Vallesinella car park. In July and August car access is regulated: spaces are limited, you pay, and at peak times the road closes when the car park is full. In high season the summer shuttle from the centre of Campiglio is the way to go. Out of season, check that the road is open.
The trailhead is in the Dolomiti di Brenta area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. From the hut to the middle falls
From the Rifugio Vallesinella car park a few minutes of trail lead to the middle falls, the easiest drop to reach. The walkways and viewpoints are made for kids.
2. Climb to the upper falls
The trail climbs more steeply through the wood to the upper falls, where the karst water of the Brenta bursts from the rock and drops in a series of cascades between wooden walkways. This is the stretch with most of the climbing.
3. Down to the lower falls and back
You descend past the hut again towards the gorge of the lower falls, green with moss and more enclosed. Close the loop by climbing back up to the car park at your own pace.
When to go & weather
The right window runs from June to October, when road and shuttle are running. The falls are at their best in early summer, when the melting snow swells the flow; in autumn the beech wood lights up yellow and red. On hot August days it's the coolest spot in the area, and everyone knows it: start early.
Recommended gear
- Trekking shoes or trainers with a well-cut sole: the ground near the falls is damp
- A light jacket or rain shell for the spray
- Water and a snack, though Rifugio Vallesinella has you covered with canederli and strudel
- A camera, ideally with something for long exposures
Useful tips
- Do the full circuit of the three groups: the lower falls, in the gorge, are the most overlooked and the most beautiful
- In July and August take the shuttle from Campiglio and forget about parking
- With small children keep the walk to the middle falls, a few minutes from the hut
- If your legs are up for it, carry on to Rifugio Casinei: it's the gateway to the high trails of the Brenta
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vallesinella waterfalls trail suitable for children?
Yes. The stretches are short, with walkways and footbridges kids love. The pushchair stays in the car though: there are flights of steps and uneven ground. With the smallest ones, stop at the middle falls.
Can you drive to the Vallesinella waterfalls?
Yes, as far as the Rifugio Vallesinella car park, but in July and August access is regulated and spaces are limited. In high season the shuttle from Madonna di Campiglio is the most convenient option.
When is there the most water at the falls?
In early summer, between June and July, when the snow melts at altitude and the karst springs are at full flow. After a thunderstorm the show lights up even at the height of summer.
How long does the Vallesinella waterfalls circuit take?
The full loop of the three groups is about 5 km and takes 2 and a half hours at an easy pace, stops included. If you only go to the middle falls, 30-40 minutes there and back is enough.