Tucked away in the stunning northern region of Trentino, Italy, Val di Non offers some of the most breathtaking natural scenery I’ve ever experienced. This valley isn’t just famous for its delicious apples—it’s a wonderland of deep canyons, vertiginous walkways, and ancient sanctuaries that seem frozen in time. Walking through the ravines and canyons carved into the rock is what makes Val di Non truly special.
Val di Non offers thrilling adventures you won’t find elsewhere in Italy.
During my visit last summer, I spent hours exploring the Mondino Canyon, the widest in the valley and a perfect escape on hot days. The cool air that flows through these natural corridors provided welcome relief, while the dramatic rock formations left me speechless. What surprised me most was how these natural wonders connect to human history—ancient hermitages and castles appear around bends in the trails, telling stories of the people who found sanctuary in these peaceful places.
If you’re planning a trip to northern Italy, add Val di Non to your list. Beyond the canyons, you’ll find beautiful lakes like Lago di Tovel, considered one of Trentino’s most gorgeous. The valley’s network of forest trails, accessible by gondolas and chairlifts, makes it easy to enjoy these natural treasures at your own pace. I found myself wishing I had planned a longer stay to fully explore everything this magical valley has to offer.
Exploring the Depths: Canyons of Val di Non
The dramatic canyons of Val di Non offer a mesmerizing journey through geological time, where water has carved spectacular ravines through ancient rock layers. These hidden wonders combine natural beauty with rich historical significance.
The Allure of Canyon Walks
Walking through Val di Non’s canyons is like entering another world. The Rio Sass ravine stands out as a family-friendly trail with just the right amount of adventure.
As I hiked through, I was amazed by the 50-meter deep gorge with its stunning formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
The canyon’s walls tell stories of geological processes spanning thousands of years. Water has patiently carved these passages, creating an otherworldly landscape of cascades and waterfalls.
Lake Smeraldo awaits at the end of the Rio Sass trail, a perfect reward after navigating the narrow passages. The vibrant colors change with the light, making each visit unique.
In Parco Fluviale Novella, I discovered hidden canyons with narrow passages and vertical walls. The park’s well-maintained trails make these geological wonders accessible to visitors of various skill levels.
Sanctuaries amidst Stone: Historical Context
These deep ravines have long served as natural sanctuaries. Throughout history, locals sought refuge in these protected spaces during times of conflict.
The canyons’ unique ecosystem hosts specialized wildlife adapted to the cool, moist environment. Rare ferns cling to shaded rock faces, while birds nest in hidden crevices along the vertical walls.
Ancient peoples considered these dramatic landscapes sacred. I found evidence of historical worship sites nestled within some of the more accessible canyon areas.
The Rio Noce and its tributaries continue to shape these ravines, carving deeper into the terraced landscape that characterizes Val di Non. This ongoing geological process creates a dynamic environment that changes subtly each season.
For the best experience, I recommend visiting in spring when water flows are strongest and wildflowers dot the canyon rims. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into both the geology and cultural significance of these remarkable formations.
The Hiker’s Guide to Val di Non
Val di Non offers an incredible network of trails for hikers of all levels, from gentle paths through apple orchards to challenging routes up to Mount Roen. I’ve explored many of these paths and gathered essential information to help you plan your adventure.
Mapping the Trails
The valley boasts numerous well-marked hiking trails that showcase its natural beauty.
From the classic route starting at Mendola Pass to Mount Roen Peak through Malga Smarano, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
I’ve found the trails connecting the canyon walkways particularly fascinating, as they combine natural wonders with cultural heritage. Many paths wind through apple orchards, offering a unique perspective on the region’s agricultural importance.
For beginners, I recommend the forest trails near the lakes, which provide gentle terrain and plenty of shade. More experienced hikers will appreciate the higher elevation routes that don’t require technical climbing skills but offer rewarding panoramas of the entire valley.
Local tourist offices provide detailed maps marking difficulty levels, estimated times, and points of interest along each route.
Hiking Preparations and Fitness Tips
When planning a hike in Val di Non, I always check the weather forecast first. Mountain conditions can change rapidly, even in summer months.
Proper footwear is essential – I recommend sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for the uneven terrain.
Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months. While there are mountain huts along some routes, they might not all be open year-round. I always carry:
- A small first aid kit
- Extra layers of clothing
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Energy-rich snacks
- A fully charged phone
For fitness preparation, start with shorter trails if you’re a beginner. Many local guides offer tours suitable for various fitness levels, which can be a great way to learn about the region while hiking at a comfortable pace.
The gondolas and chairlifts can help reduce strenuous climbs, making higher trails accessible to more people. I’ve found this particularly helpful when hiking with friends of different fitness levels.
Encounters with the Past: Dolomite Formations
The towering Dolomite mountains tell ancient stories through their distinctive pale rock formations, creating one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. These geological marvels have been shaped over millions of years, leaving us with dramatic peaks and unique formations to explore.
Dolomites: A Geological Marvel
Walking through Val di Non, I’m constantly amazed by the Dolomites looming in the distance. These mountains aren’t just beautiful—they’re time capsules from an ancient shallow sea that covered this region 250 million years ago.
The distinctive pale rock is actually dolomite, a type of limestone rich in magnesium. It gives these mountains their characteristic light color that glows pink and orange during sunset—a phenomenon locals call “enrosadira” or alpenglow.
What makes hiking here special is seeing how these once-underwater formations now stand at breathtaking heights. The rock’s composition creates dramatic vertical walls and towers that seem to defy gravity.
Spotlight on Unique Rock Formations
Some of the most fascinating formations I’ve discovered in Val di Non are the lunar-like landscapes where erosion has sculpted the dolomite into otherworldly shapes. These formations often remind me of ancient ruins or natural sculptures.
The Brenta Dolomites, easily accessible from Val di Non, feature some of the most stunning examples. Keep an eye out for the distinctive pinnacles and towers that rise dramatically from Alpine meadows.
Many hiking trails wind through these geological wonders, with well-marked paths suitable for various experience levels. My favorite routes take you through forests before emerging to reveal panoramic views of these pale giants.
The most magical time to photograph these formations is during early morning or sunset when the light transforms the white rock into a canvas of warm colors.
Where to Stay: Lodging with a View
Val di Non offers stunning accommodations where visitors can wake up to breathtaking mountain views and serene natural landscapes after a day of exploring canyons and sacred sites.
Charming Bed and Breakfasts
I’ve discovered several family-run B&Bs throughout Val di Non that provide an authentic Trentino experience. The Viridis Hotel stands out as a perfect base for adventure seekers, with staff who eagerly share local insights about nearby rafting and trekking opportunities.
Many guest houses in the region offer homemade breakfasts featuring local apples, cheeses, and honey. During my stay at a hillside B&B, I enjoyed morning coffee on a terrace overlooking apple orchards stretching to distant mountains.
Most accommodations are strategically located within a 15-20 minute drive of popular canyon walks. Prices typically range from €60-100 per night, with many places offering discounted rates for longer stays.
Accommodation with a Difference
For those seeking unique experiences, Val di Non doesn’t disappoint. I stumbled upon renovated mountain chalets that blend traditional Alpine architecture with modern comforts.
Some properties feature glass-walled rooms that bring nature indoors, allowing guests to stargaze from their beds. One memorable stay was in a converted water mill beside a babbling stream, where the sound of water lulled me to sleep each night.
Several eco-friendly options use local materials and sustainable practices while maintaining comfort. Many unique accommodations offer special packages that include guided tours of the region’s natural wonders.
Family-friendly options include farm stays where children can interact with animals and learn about apple cultivation – a perfect complement to days spent exploring ancient sanctuaries.
Visiting Essentials: Facilities and Accessibility
When exploring Val di Non, it’s important to know what amenities are available to make your trip comfortable and accessible. The area offers helpful visitor resources and several transportation options that make reaching even remote natural wonders possible.
Visitor Center: Starting Your Adventure
I always recommend starting at the main Val di Non visitor center in Cles. The staff speaks English and provides free maps highlighting the canyon walks and paths to the Sanctuary of San Romedio.
They offer daily weather updates that proved invaluable during my spring visit when conditions can change quickly. The center has clean restrooms, a small café, and a shop selling local apple products that make perfect souvenirs.
WiFi is free and reliable here, allowing you to download hiking apps and trail maps. For families, they provide kid-friendly activity packs with scavenger hunt lists for nature walks.
The visitor center is wheelchair accessible with ramps and wide doorways.
Getting Around: Tours and Transportation
Public buses connect most major sites in Val di Non. However, they run less frequently in low season (November-March). I found the “Non Valley Explorer” bus pass (€20 for three days) to be the best value for reaching multiple canyon walks.
Guided tours depart from the visitor center daily at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM from April through October. The morning canyon tour (€25) includes transportation to and from trailheads, an English-speaking guide, safety equipment for narrow paths, and light refreshments.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring remote castle ruins and lakes. Most parking areas at trailheads are free, though they fill quickly during summer weekends.
For those with mobility issues, several accessible trails have been developed around Emerald Lake. These trails have smooth, wide paths suitable for wheelchairs.
