The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for dramatic peaks, sweeping valleys, and unreal landscapes. Whereas the average hiker might be more focused on the sheer cliffs and rugged ridgelines of the park, the area does house some truly stunning hidden waterfalls that can offer as much beauty and tranquility.
For travelers intent on making the trip more relaxing, a short hike to one of the waterfalls could be ideal. If you are attempting a Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking experience, you will find these waterfalls along some of the region’s most spectacular trails, making it a great rest stop to admire the sheer beauty of this stunning area.
Cascata di Fanes (FanesWaterfall)
Deep inside the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park lies the magnificent Cascata di Fanes, which is among the most spectacular waterfalls in the Dolomites. Most hikers bypass this gorge, hiking one of the more popularly traveled trails that circle it. The waterfall is also reachable on foot from the Rifugio Fanes. Here and there, the trail breaks out of the lush meadows and dense woods to offer a few views of the soaring peaks that lie above it. It is the ideal spot to halt and have a calm respite, all with the sound of flowing water all around you. The Fanes waterfall, which you won’t want to miss if you’re doing a Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking trip, is the line dividing two or more mountain huts, including the beautiful Rifugio Fanes.
Pisciadu Waterfall (Cascata del Pisciadu)
Relatively high and one of the most scenic waterfalls of the Dolomites, the Pisciadu Waterfall (Cascata del Pisciadu) is located on the southern slopes of the Sella Group. It careens down the side of the mountain in a series of dramatic cascades, throwing up a misty spray that glitters in the sunlight. The hike to the waterfall follows Alta Via 2, the classic European hut-to-hut path that crosses the Dolomites from south to north. After a relatively challenging but gratifying climb up, you will be brought to the base of the waterfall, the sound of water spilling over the cliffs trailing you wherever you wander.
The Pisciadu waterfall is really powerful during the summer months, when the water level is the highest. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites.
Cascatadi Rio Gere (Waterfall of Rio Gere)
Cascata di Rio Gere Nestled within the woods of the Cortina d’Ampezzo region, the Cascata di Rio Gere is one of those more peaceful escapes from the, at times, crowded trails. The hike to this waterfall is, and it’s also a good one if you need a family adventure or even if you want to experience some of the beauty of the Dolomites without committing to a long hike. The trail from the Rifugio Rio Gere to the waterfall is signposted. The roar of rushing water grows louder as you walk through thick woods, and the anticipation builds as you get closer to the falls. At some point along the way, there is the Rio Gere waterfall, a perfect place to stop for a break — and a chance to cool off on a hot summer hike. The trail is part of the Dolomites’ hut-to-hut hiking network, enabling hikers to go deeper into the surrounding valleys.
Cascata della Val Duron (Duron Valley Waterfall)
Nestled in the Val Duron – one of the more isolated valleys in the Dolomites. The Cascata della Val Duron is one gem of a waterfall. This waterfall can be visited on a hike on the Alta Via 1, a hut-to-hut trail that’s perfect for experienced hikers who want to savor the Dolomites at a more leisurely pace. The scene is indeed doubly spectacular, for the waterfall and magnificent cliffs rise clear above a lush alpine forest, a benediction for nature lovers. It offers hikers plenty of chances to pull over, including a sidetrip to the cool waterfall for some stunning views of the major peaks around it. The perfect hike for someone who disliked crowds and wanted to see more of nature.
Sottoguda Waterfall (Cascata di Sottoguda)
The Sottoguda waterfall is a hidden gem, located in the pretty village of Sottoguda, in the Southern Dolomites. This gorgeous waterfall is hidden in a narrow gorge, spilling over the edge of a cliff with dramatic effect. The waterfall is a short but lovely walk through the village and into the woods, where you are surrounded by high cliffs. Its modest associative complexities make the hike a perfect day hike or a leisurely way to round off a hut-to-hut hiking trip in the Dolomites. It is also famous for the stunning old village traditional buildings, so it is the spot to stop, get a bite to eat of some local food, and breathe in the atmosphere.
The Takeaway
The Dolomites’ towering peaks are well known, but the channeling waterfalls that whisk themselves down the mountainside sare hould witness to the amazing diversity of the region. You can plan on some sightseeing even if you’re doing a multi-day, hut-to-hut hike through the Dolomites or are looking for a short day hike — most of these waterfalls are worth the detour. And from the mayhem of the Cascata di Fanes to the tucked-away Sottoguda Waterfall, they all promise an escape into nature and one of the gentler souls of the Dolomites. So strap on those sneakers, pack your gear, and prepare, traveler, to explore these stunning hidden treasures.
Leave a Reply