Several deep gorges cross the Upper Val di Non area near the border between South Tyrol and Trentino
Image gallery: Canyon Rio Novella and Canyon Rio Sass
Several deep gorges lie between the area of San Felice in the Upper Val di Non, the Passo Palade, the Passo della Mendola, and small villages like Cles in neighbouring Trentino. They run like furrows through the high plateau and provide impressive views into the gaping depths from the road. The Koflertal, Höllental, and Wassertal gorges are located here.
Steeply sloping limestone walls line all of them. The dark rock faces are impressive simply because of their height, and in some places, they are only a few metres apart. Gorges, caves, and dolines, or sinkholes, are not uncommon in this karst area. Two gorges are accessible: One is the Rio Novella Gorge, or the Canyon Rio Novella. It is open to visitors from spring until autumn.
You can explore it independently with an audio guide, in some times it is only accessible on a guided walk. Dogs are allowed on the trek, but please note that the paths lead over metal grids. The Rio Novella stream has used the raw power of water to carve a deep trench between the rocks here. The 75-metre-high Bus del Pis Waterfall, also known as the San Felice Waterfall, plunges into this trench. You can enjoy kayak tours and canyoning in this gorge during the summer months.
Another accessible gorge is located near Lake Smeraldo, about 13 kilometres away, which is also in Trentino. It is called Canyon Rio Sass and leads from the lake along the stream, passing between massive rock faces. Walkways and ladders provide views of waterfalls and geological formations. The gorge itself is around 300 metres long and up to 60 metres deep. Over time, the stream that flows through Fondo formed this landscape.
Where the gorge opens up, there is an 18th-century wooden dam and the remains of the Bagni di Fondo. This is an old thermal bath that was once fed by an iron-rich spring. This canyon is also open from April to October or November. It features guided walks and illuminated evening tours.
Contact info
- San Biagio, 40 - 38028 - Romallo-Novella
- +39 0463 432064 / +39 329 8366160
- info@parcofluvialenovella.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
Rio Novella Canyon trek (with audio guide):
€ 12.00 adults
€ 8.00 children and young people (3-18 years)
discount with the Trentino GuestCard
€ 30.00 family ticket (2 adults with at least 1 child under 18 years)
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Rio Novella Canyon trek (guided hike):
€ 15.00 adults
€ 10.00 children and young people (3-18 years)
discount with the Trentino GuestCard
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group trek (15 and more persons):
€ 12.00 per person (guided hike)
€ 9.00 per person (with audio guide)
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kayaking tours and canyoning upon request
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Rio Sass Canyon trek (guided hike):
€ 12.00 adults
€ 12.00 young people (13-18 years)
€ 8.00 children (6-12 years)
€ 35.00 family ticket (2 adults with 2 children under 12 years)
free for children under 6 years
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group trek (20/25 and more persons):
€ 10.00 adults
€ 10.00 young people (13-18 years)
€ 8.00 children (6-12 years)
More information
The opening hours listed apply to the Rio Novella Canyon trek, which is available on Sundays and public holidays and daily during the height of summer without prior booking. On these days, self-guided treks with an audio guide are available. During the off-peak seasons, guided treks are also available from Monday to Saturday by prior booking (and only with a guide).
Kayaking tours are available by booking only from June to September (every day between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm) - canyoning is available by booking only from June to August (every day at 2, weather permitting). For more information: info@parcofluvialenovella.it.
The Rio Sass Gorge at Lake Smeraldo is also open from April to November. Guided walks are available every day from 10 am to 2 pm, and in July and August from 9.30 am to 4 pm, subject to booking by calling +39 0463 850000. The other gorges are not accessible.
