Pedemonte: Hiking Trails and Culture

When looking for a hotel in Pedemonte, the focus you have planned for your stay can make the first difference: should marked circular hiking trails, natural attractions or historic sites take centre stage? The Sentieri delle Cascate hiking network gives the first focus a clear shape. The project includes marked hiking trails and three circular routes leading to waterfalls and sights in Pedemonte. The trails are intended for hikers and families and lead to scenic places. The Sentieri start at the car park by the former municipal office in the hamlet of Longhi.

Hiking Trails Between Landscape and History

The hiking trails differ in their landscapes and histories. La Strada de la Riva is a hiking trail in the Pedemonte area that runs along the eastern mountain slopes through four of the town’s characteristic Contrade. Hiking trail 595, the Via dell’Ancino, follows a medieval road that connected Val d’Astico with Caldonazzo and Trento. For La Strada de la Riva, the mountain slopes and Contrade define the route; for the Via dell’Ancino, the former connection between these places is its historical point of reference.

Another landscape can be found along hiking trail 605, which runs past the foothills of Belfiore and rocky outcrops in the upper Val d’Astico. Trail 597 leads from Brancafora di Pedemonte to Forte Belvedere. This imposing structure has been converted into a museum about the First World War.

Other trail numbers can also be distinguished by their starting and ending points. Hiking trail 598 leads from Valle di Rio Torto on the regional border to Eck delle Albarele on the regional border. Trail 599 runs from Ponte Rio Torto via Capitello Sella del Cavallo to the regional border. Trail 601 leads from Scalzeri di Pedemonte to Luserna. Hiking trail 611 connects Casotto with Malga Croiere and is also known as Val Torra.

Natural Attractions, Art and Local History

Il Nido di Pedemonte offers a different focus from the hiking routes: it is an immersive wooden land art work by Marco Martalar. Guided tours of Il Nido di Pedemonte can be booked through the Associazione OGD Pedemontana Veneta e Colli. Another natural attraction is the Avez del Prinzep near Malga Laghetto, considered Europe’s largest fir tree.

The church of Brancafora once played a special role: it served all the farms in the upper Val d’Astico and partly those on the plateau; at the time, it was the only church in the area. In Casotto, the church and the small adjoining cemetery are associated with the year 1748. Alongside trails and natural destinations, historical connections to specific places are also a focus.

A path to the grotto starts at the village pharmacy. The Astico stream is another attraction for visitors to Pedemonte: its waters are well known among anglers.

Discover more destinations: Marano Vicentino, San Benedetto, Mason Vicentino, Costabissara, Posina, Monticello Conte Otto, Bassano Del Grappa, Mirabella

For the overview of the wider area: Vicenza.