A historical hike along the slopes of Monte Corno offering magnificent views of Lake Garda, Arco, the Sarca plain, and Lake Loppio.
This “fortified” hill is located north of the town of Nago and is home to numerous relics dating back to the First World War. Along the route you can see trenches, observation posts, and positions once used to monitor the slopes of Monte Altissimo. This area was directly on the path of enemy troops advancing from Loppio or Torbole hoping to climb Monte Corno to bypass the defense at Riva and directly reach Arco. These positions were part of a larger fortified system built to help defend the territory between Riva del Garda and Loppio.
Since 2010, volunteers and Schützen of the Albrecht von Habsburg Association of Arco have been working to restore structures and positions in collaboration with the Nago Chestnut Grove Association and the Nago-Torbole Alpine Group to make them accessible to hikers.
With the help of Garda Trentino SpA and the Municipalities of Arco, Nago-Torbole, and Mori, the Occupational Support and Environmental Enhancement Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento created a loop route along a stretch of land that until 1918 marked the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops, etc.) and hiker-friendly accommodations: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
From the Perlone and Predabusa area, you enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Garda: on clear days, you can see as far as Sirmione, at the other end of the lake.
The entire Monte Corno area has been the subject of extensive restoration work by the association "Un territorio due fronti," which includes over 25 volunteer groups united by the desire to recover and enhance the traces of the Great War in the municipalities of Mori, Brentonico, Ronzo-Chienis, and Nago-Torbole.
Safety advice
This information is subject to inevitable changes, so none of these instructions are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid inaccurate or imprecise information, given how rapidly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we disclaim any responsibility for changes the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environmental and weather conditions before leaving.
From the Coel parking lot, near the roundabout on the SS240 road in Nago, follow Via Dosse. After about 100 meters, the road becomes a dirt path and continues uphill. When you reach the sign at the fork, keep right and continue climbing. You can make a short detour to the right to see some glacial sinkholes. At the next fork, keep left and take the access road that leads to Belvedere Cliff. Once you reach the small rocky step, leave the path that leads to the cliff and take the uphill path on the right. The path runs along a rocky spur that is not difficult to cross but is equipped with a steel handrail. From here, continue climbing through the holm oak woods and once you have completed the steepest section, leave the path that leads to the chestnut grove and take the well-marked path on the left, which will lead you to the first riflemen's post (Nago) after 70 meters. Take the loop route and continue west, ignoring the path to the right that leads to a pylon. Soon you will reach a dirt road where you must turn left. The dirt road leads to a panoramic area overlooking the Upper Garda and then to a chestnut grove in Nago after another 200 meters. At the two notice boards, take the forest road on the left and follow it for 200 meters until you cross the Porino forest road. On the other side of the road, on the left, a path climbs a hill scattered with large limestone boulders, created by a large paleo-landslide. After 250 meters, you will cross a mule track on the left that leads to the Busa dei Capitani 200 meters further along the path. After returning back along the same path for 100 meters, take the path that climbs through the woods on the left. Continue climbing until you reach a well-marked path on the left. A little further on you will reach a crossroads, which marks the highest point of the Perlone path and the start of the Predabusa trail. If you want a shorter route, continue along the Perlone path.
Predabusa Trail
Continue to climb on the forest road parallel to the path above and you will reach the Tre Croci area, where you must turn right. You will arrive at a path that climbs to the right in a zigzag along rock slabs exposed by water over time. Continue climbing the gentle slope until you reach a three-way junction. To the right, a short detour will lead you to the Riflettore Cave, various caves transformed into terraces along the valley, an artillery post, and the reconstructed Predabusa command barracks. Continue on the main path until you reach a curve on the Corno road. Take the path with steps on the right and continue until you reach the Predabusa rocky ridge. Follow the ridge to an information panel. To the right, you can enter the Predabusa station, where a short path leads to its summit. Going straight leads to a viewpoint on Lake Loppio. Descend into the woods and continue along the path before taking the downhill path that passes next to two small tanks. Slightly lower, you will cross the woods again, descending through some terraced areas. A path beside the cliff will lead to the long and well-structured Arco trench. Descending along the wide path, the route overlaps for about a dozen meters with the outward route. You must immediately leave this path and turn right at the fork. You will pass near several water collection tanks. Continue up the steep stairway and into the woods. Follow the downhill path. After two hairpin bends, you will see a tank on the left and a series of steps. From here, climb up and you will find yourself near the summit of the Perlone path, which you can take to descend to Nago.
Perlone Trail
Descend to the right along the path that follows a narrow channel until a junction leading to the Salina riflemen's post after a few meters (if you take a left). After continuing downhill along the channel, immediately take the path on the right that leads to the Perlone artillery post. After continuing downhill, you will reach a dirt road. Here turn left and you will arrive at a large meadow. Take the downhill path along the eastern edge of the meadow, which leads to the last point of the path. The path continues downhill into the woods. Keep left at the fork, crossing the southern slopes of Monte Corno. Be careful during this short stretch of path, which is equipped with a handrail. Also beware of stones that may fall from the cliff walls above. Stopping here is not allowed and it is recommended to complete this section quickly (about 50 meters). After 300 meters, you will reach a steep paved road descending to Nago from the San Tomè area. Turn right and descend to the parking lot.
The main towns of Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago - are connected by several urban and interurban bus lines that will take you to the starting point of the routes or nearby.
It is also possible to reach Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by public ferry service.
Al Coel Parking in Nago, accessible from the roundabout.
It is necessary to wear suitable clothing and carry the appropriate equipment when hiking in the mountains. Even for relatively short and easy outings, make sure to bring everything you need so you don't find yourself in difficulty if things take an unexpected turn, for example if a thunderstorm breaks out or if you have a sudden energy drop.
What to bring on a hike?
Your backpack (for a day trip, a capacity of 25/30L may be enough) should contain:
Make sure to wear footwear suitable for the path and the season. The ground can become hard and rocky underfoot and a pair of boots will protect against sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rock slab, or steep path can be dangerous if you don't wear the right footwear.
And finally... don’t forget your camera! You'll need it to capture the spectacular views you will find everywhere in Garda Trentino. And if you want, you can share your memories with us on #GardaTrentino.
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