Gorges of San Felice

Between the area of San Felice in the Upper Val di Non, the Palade Pass, which leads up here from Lana, and villages such as Cles, which are already in the Trentino, there are some deep gorges. They run like furrows through the high plateau and offer impressive views into the yawning depths even from the road. Here you will find the Koflertal, Höllental and Wassertal Gorges, which are lined by steep limestone walls. The gloomy rock faces are already impressive because of their height, in some cases there are only a few metres between them.

In this karst area, gorges, caves and sinkholes are not uncommon. The Novella Gorge or Canyon Rio Novella, which is also known among kayakers, is accessible. The Novella stream has created a deep trench between the rocks here with the elemental force of water, into which the 75 m high waterfall at Bus del Pis also cascades. In German, it is known as "Felixer Wasserfall". Another accessible gorge is located about 7 km from San Felice, already in the Trentino: That of the Canyon Lago Smeraldo leads from the eponymous lake along the stream and between rock walls.

And how to reach the Novella Gorge? The hike starts in San Felice, on South Tyrolean territory, and follows the forest path marked "Cascata" (waterfall). It leads down 170 steps to a viewing platform, at the bottom the cool rock walls are impressive (approx. 1 hour).