One of the most famous and popular trails in Europe... #tuttitaly
North of Lake Garda, we find the Ponale Path. This is one of Europe's most famous and appreciated trails and connects Riva del Garda and Val di Ledro. Since 2004 the road has become a cycle-pedestrian path, so you can choose whether to follow it on foot or by mountain bike (or bike).
The suggestive Ponale walk starts from the center of Riva del Garda.
After parking the car, you must pass the port and follow the coast towards Limone. After the Riva hydroelectric power station, you reach the Western Gardesana.
The path is indicated as D01 towards Ledro.
Once you have taken the unpaved road, the path begins that offers breathtaking views of rocks, lake, history, and nature.
The Ponale walk is suitable for everyone; in fact, my travel companion was my 6-year-old son.
Although rather long, the path does not present great difficulties except in the last stretch towards Lake Ledro, where the trail crosses an uphill wood.
In addition to the breathtaking views, in some places, you can also see the old shelters built by the military during the war. For a moment, you will feel like you are in another era.
The entire round trip takes just over 20 km in total.
To avoid the entire Ponale circuit, when you arrive at the crossroads after the bar, you must go down the side of the tunnel for a short distance along the state road and then return to the corners towards Pregasina and return.
The Ponale di Riva del Garda's walk is slightly uphill for about 2 km until the right turn for the Ledro Valley.
At this point, the road splits, separating the pedestrian path from the one for bikes.
You will have to cross a bridge and continue past the signpost leading to a forest road.
Once you reach Valle di Ledro, after passing the Pregasina road, you will have to walk along a series of hairpin bends to get to the statue of the Madonna with its panoramic terrace. For a refreshing break, you can stop in one of the bars or restaurants you will find in the town.
At this point, the cycle path and the pedestrian path come together in the village of Prè di Ledro.
The walk continues towards Molina, and finally, you will reach Lake Ledro. The effort of the walk will be rewarded by its sight.
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