Val Genova: valley floor hike to the Nardis Waterfalls

Val Genova is one of the most iconic valleys in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, a long and deep groove carved by glaciers that wedges into the crystalline Adamello-Presanella massif. Historically known as the "valley of waterfalls", it offers a radically different landscape compared to the nearby Dolomiti di Brenta: here you will not find the light limestone spires, but the dark and compact tonalite, a magmatic rock similar to granite that does not let water filter through. The result is a territory where the liquid element dominates the landscape, plunging from the suspended lateral valleys in spectacular waterfalls towards the Sarca di Genova river.

This itinerary explores the first section of the valley floor, a route that combines the ease of walking with the grandeur of the surrounding alpine environment.

Technical details of the itinerary

Before undertaking the route, it is useful to consult the technical sheet. Although the trail is classified as easy, remember that in a mountain environment the hiking classification indicates the technical effort, but it is good practice to independently evaluate your own abilities and the current weather conditions.

• Starting point: Carisolo / entrance to Val Genova.
• Difficulty: Easy (valley floor).
• Recommended season: Spring–autumn.
• Access: Road with seasonal traffic regulation (check vehicle access methods with the Park authorities).
• Main stops: Ponte Verde, Cascata di Nardis, Valley floor towards Bedole.
• Outward duration: To be verified (not officially documented).
• Return duration: Return via the same itinerary (time to be calculated separately from the outward journey).
• Elevation gain: To be verified (not officially documented).

The route step by step

The departure from Carisolo and Ponte Verde

The itinerary starts from the entrance to Val Genova, in the territory of the municipality of Carisolo. Leaving behind the more open slopes of Val Rendena, you immediately enter a dense wooded environment, where spruce and larch trees create an imposing vegetal cover. The first significant stop is the Ponte Verde area, a historical crossing point where the waters of the Sarca river begin to show their torrential character.

Walking along the road or the nearby paths that skirt the river, you immediately perceive the change in microclimate: the valley, narrow and surrounded by high walls, retains a constant humidity that favors the growth of mosses and ferns, giving the forest a primordial appearance.

Arrival at the Nardis Waterfall

Continuing along the valley floor, the sound of the water becomes increasingly deafening, heralding the main attraction of the lower valley: the Cascata di Nardis. This waterfall is the most famous in Val Genova and plunges directly into the valley floor from the left hydrographic slope.

The water, which comes from the overlying snows and glaciers of the Presanella massif, makes a spectacular leap, sliding and bouncing on the dark rocks. During spring thaw days or after intense autumn rains, the atomization of the water raised by the fall is such as to create a constantly sprayed micro-environment near the base. It is one of the most famous photographic spots in Trentino, but observing it in person, surrounded by the roar of the torrent, restores the true dimension of the valley's water power.

The valley floor towards Bedole and the branches

Once past the Nardis area, the itinerary continues to develop in a westerly direction, going deep into the heart of Val Genova towards the Bedole plain. The valley floor is easy to walk on and allows you to maintain a steady and relaxed pace. On the sides of the main path, you will frequently notice the starting points of other side hikes. These detours, unlike the comfortable valley floor, feature steep gradients and climb the wooded slopes, pushing up to higher altitudes towards the realm of rock and ice of the Adamello and Presanella.

For those who wish to stay on the main track, the walk continues along the Sarca river, accompanied by the view of other minor waterfalls cascading down the slopes. The return journey is made by retracing the same outward itinerary.

Notices for hikers: Autumn 2026 Updates

For those planning hikes during this period in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park and surrounding areas, it is essential to organize logistics taking into account the ongoing seasonal updates:

• Closure of lifts: Please note that the summer lifts and cable cars in the area closed between September 13th and 20th, 2026. Do not plan high-altitude itineraries that rely on the use of lifts for approach or return.
• Works on the Brenta side (Vallesinella): If during your stay you plan to move to the opposite side of the valley (Dolomiti di Brenta), pay attention to the road conditions. Since September 21st, 2026, in Vallesinella, a section between the parking lot and the Cascate di Mezzo has been closed for roadworks (strada Cason), as well as part of the Sentiero dell'Arciduca. Inquire with local guides or the relevant offices for alternative routes.